Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts
Episode: Emotions, Mental Health, and Vision Loss
Release Date: October 24, 2024

Host: Ricky Enger
Guests: Dr. Ann Wagner (Clinical Psychologist) and Mark Arneson

Introduction

In this insightful episode of Hadley Presents, host Ricky Enger delves into the intricate relationship between emotions, mental health, and vision loss. Joining Ricky are two esteemed guests: Dr. Ann Wagner, a board-certified clinical psychologist with extensive experience in trauma and PTSD, and Mark Arneson, a dedicated advocate for individuals navigating life with vision loss. The conversation explores how understanding and connecting with our emotions can pave the way for healing and transformation amidst the challenges of vision impairment.

Guests' Backgrounds

Dr. Ann Wagner begins by sharing her personal journey with vision loss. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) due to the autosomal dominant PRPF3 gene, Dr. Wagner has witnessed the progressive nature of this condition firsthand. Growing up in a supportive "blind culture," she emphasizes the importance of a nurturing environment:

"Growing up in this kind of blind culture meant I had support. I had people who understood what I was going through, and the sighted people in our lives kind of knew what we needed and what we didn't need."
[01:15]

Professionally, Dr. Wagner served for 26 years at the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, specializing in trauma and PTSD before retiring. Despite her retirement, she remains active through consulting and speaking engagements focused on mental health and vision loss.

Complex Grief and Vision Loss

The discussion transitions to the concept of complex grief, a term Dr. Wagner elaborates on in relation to progressive medical conditions like vision loss. She explains that each incremental loss—be it peripheral vision or acuity—can lead to new forms of grief as individuals grapple with diminishing independence and changing daily activities:

"In each loss of independent functioning or an activity of daily living becoming more challenging, there's going to be grief attached to, to each of those with different meanings attached."
[04:12]

Dr. Wagner highlights that this grief is multifaceted, involving not just the loss of physical abilities but also the emotional toll of adapting to new realities.

Understanding Emotions in Vision Loss

Mark Arneson brings attention to the emotional challenges that often surpass the physical hurdles associated with vision loss. He prompts Dr. Wagner to discuss what our emotions signify and the lessons they impart:

"Do you mind sharing a little bit about, like what do our emotions tell us? And is there something that we can learn from those emotions?"
[06:50]

Dr. Wagner responds by asserting that emotions are gateways to our core values and what we truly hold dear. She emphasizes that emotions, even painful ones, provide crucial insights into our identity and priorities:

"Emotions actually tell us who we are at our core and what matters to us."
[06:50]

Using a personal anecdote about her grandson, Dr. Wagner illustrates how emotions like helplessness and grief reveal deep-seated values and attachments:

"So the helplessness is telling me I can't control the fact that in this moment I can't see my grandson's face. But then helplessness always tells us a second truth, that we care about something."
[08:00]

The Importance of Connectedness and Village Moments

The conversation shifts to the significance of connectedness and what Dr. Wagner terms "village moments." These moments represent deep, authentic connections where individuals feel seen, heard, and understood without judgment:

"When two people show up being able to share from this deep, real four self, authentic place, I call that village moments. And it's where healing can happen and transformation can happen."
[17:04]

Dr. Wagner references the Social Buffering Theory, which posits that robust social support can mitigate the negative effects of stress and trauma. She underscores the detrimental impact of profound loneliness on mental health, especially for those with vision loss:

"When we have adequate social support... it can buffer the negative effects of stressors in our lives, even trauma level."
[17:04]

Mark echoes this sentiment, sharing stories of individuals who, despite having families, feel isolated due to the unique challenges of vision loss. He highlights the pivotal role of peer support programs in bridging this gap.

Coping with Identity Changes and Embracing Emotions

Addressing the formation of identity amidst vision loss, Dr. Wagner discusses the evolution from identifying primarily with her blindness to embracing her broader self. She draws from narrative therapy, emphasizing that disabilities or limitations are external to one's identity:

"I am not the blindness. I am Ann. But our identities are really more about what do you stand for, what matters to you."
[25:58]

Dr. Wagner introduces the concept of personal protective patterns, whimsically named "Melvin," to recognize and address behaviors that distance her from her core emotions. This technique aids in distinguishing between valued activities and self-protective mechanisms:

"But I name all my protective patterns. Melvin."
[28:48]

She advises listeners to introspectively assess whether their actions align with their values or are merely protective responses to emotional discomfort.

Practical Advice and Personal Stories

Throughout the episode, Dr. Wagner interweaves personal stories that humanize the theoretical concepts discussed. From her cherished memories of her mother "brailing" her grandchildren's faces to her ongoing relationship with her nearly two-year-old grandson, these narratives underscore the profound interplay between emotions and daily experiences:

"So I have a grandson who is almost two years old. From the time of his birth till today, when I hold him, I say, I'm gonna braille your face."
[14:57]

Mark Arneson shares uplifting feedback from Hadley's peer-to-peer program participants, illustrating the tangible benefits of connectedness and mutual understanding:

"This was the missing piece for me."
[24:39]

Conclusion

As the episode draws to a close, both guests emphasize the growing need for support systems in the face of increasing vision loss prevalence. Dr. Wagner advocates for expanding community programs and resources to ensure that no individual feels isolated in their journey. Mark Arneson expresses deep gratitude for the invaluable insights shared by Dr. Wagner and the ongoing positive impact of Hadley's initiatives.

"And so we were able to connect her in our peer to peer program with somebody who had similar eye condition and similar life experiences... she's like, I've never felt so alone because of my vision loss."
[24:39]

The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of understanding and embracing our emotional landscapes.

Notable Quotes:

• "Emotions actually tell us who we are at our core and what matters to us."
  — Dr. Ann Wagner [06:50]

• "I am not the blindness. I am Ann."
  — Dr. Ann Wagner [25:58]

• "This was the missing piece for me."
  — Peer Program Participant [24:39]

For more discussions on vision loss and mental health, tune into future episodes of Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts. Share your thoughts or suggest topics by contacting Hadley at podcast@HadleyHelps.org or calling (847) 784-2870.