Sunday, February 16, 2025
60.7 F
Roseville

Couple Managing Several Disabilities

Relying on their Faith

Bernice Edwards and her husband, Les, of North Mankato, Minnesota, have known about disability for years. At first, the disabilities involved only Bernice.

In a telephone interview, 62-year-old Bernice said, “I was born prematurely and was exposed to oxygen in the incubator. The result was called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).” The National Institutes of Health defines ROP as a “potentially blinding eye disorder primarily affecting premature infants weighing about 2.75 pounds or less that are born before 31 weeks gestation.”

She said “I was bullied in school because of it. The kids teased me because I had to wear glasses with very thick lenses. I was angry at other kids and at God for making me that way. A few years ago, I was told about my 40th high school reunion and that a couple guys wanted to apologize for (bullying) me years ago.”

Major depressive disorder

The bullying probably “set off” her first experiences with major depressive disorder, she said. She wasn’t diagnosed until 1999, but had experienced depressive symptoms most her adult life. In 1999, for example, she was starving herself and was unable to care for her own needs, which led to her first hospitalization.

She said, “Since then, I’ve been taken to a hospital or crisis shelter more times than I can count. When going, I was usually feeling suicidal and my mood was way down. I’d either not taken my medication or taken too much. I isolated myself.” She said her condition has improved because of having supportive family members, who, she said, have been there for her, listened, and taken her when necessary to the hospital.

Rheumatoid arthritis

A few months ago, doctors diagnosed her husband with rheumatoid arthritis, which has affected his ability to open doors and jars, and write with a pen and type on a computer, for instance. He experiences pain. “I’m there for him and listen, too,” she said. “It’s scary for me in terms of not knowing if I’ll be able to take care of him. I’ve gone through the stages of denying this has happened. I guess now the tables have been turned. He used to be the one wondering (about my abilities). We both have to rely on our Christian faith.”

As for major depressive disorder, Bernice advised,

“Take your medication, use your support team, and talk to others when you recognize your symptoms. I’ve learned to recognize symptoms so I can catch (the depression) in time.”

(Originally published January 9, 2017 in Disabilities)



Brighter Side

Trending

Find the lowest gas prices in Roseville, Rocklin, & Lincoln

Roseville, Calif. - Gas prices continue to hover around the $5 per gallon mark at many locations around South Placer County.

Open: Auburn Library’s temporary location

Auburn, Calif. - The Auburn Library has opened its new temporary location with modified services and the same helpful, friendly staff to help patrons navigate materials and lead library programming.

❤️Valentine’s or a Scam? Roseville PD reminds you to protect yourself against romance fraudsters

Roseville, Calif.- It's a new year. Are you or a family member looking for that someone special in 2025? Now, more than ever, people are using their smart phone for almost everything, including finding their soul mate

IICA Speech in Roseville

Our knowledgeable and compassionate team provides speech, language, cognitive, social, and feeding services to enhance the quality of our clients’ lives while empowering their caregivers through our unique team approach.

Sierra College President Willy Duncan earns international recognition for economic development efforts

In recognition of his efforts on the team to bring BOSCH to Placer County and his leadership with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Sierra College Superintendent and President Willy Duncan has been named the recipient of the 2024 Community Partner Award

Topics

Find the lowest gas prices in Roseville, Rocklin, & Lincoln

Roseville, Calif. - Gas prices continue to hover around the $5 per gallon mark at many locations around South Placer County.

Open: Auburn Library’s temporary location

Auburn, Calif. - The Auburn Library has opened its new temporary location with modified services and the same helpful, friendly staff to help patrons navigate materials and lead library programming.

❤️Valentine’s or a Scam? Roseville PD reminds you to protect yourself against romance fraudsters

Roseville, Calif.- It's a new year. Are you or a family member looking for that someone special in 2025? Now, more than ever, people are using their smart phone for almost everything, including finding their soul mate

IICA Speech in Roseville

Our knowledgeable and compassionate team provides speech, language, cognitive, social, and feeding services to enhance the quality of our clients’ lives while empowering their caregivers through our unique team approach.

Sierra College President Willy Duncan earns international recognition for economic development efforts

In recognition of his efforts on the team to bring BOSCH to Placer County and his leadership with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Sierra College Superintendent and President Willy Duncan has been named the recipient of the 2024 Community Partner Award

PCWA Hell Hole Reservoir project approved to increase storage

Auburn, Calif. - At its Thursday meeting, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors approved a $5.8 million contract for the Hell Hole seasonal storage increase project, adding to the capacity of the Hell Hole Reservoir so it can

🍀Clover Valley’s long history predating Rocklin

According to Sierra College Geology Professor Dick Hilton, the valley started to form five million years ago as the Sierra range lifted and tilted westward. Runoff streams wore down millions of years of rock and gravel deposits

❤️ 7 wonderfully fun spring break destinations in California

Roseville, Calif. - We ♥ California! Exploring the breadth and length of the magnificent Golden State is life's never ending journey. With exciting travel opportunities and variety in all directions, Roseville enjoys a premium and convenient location to fuel those adventures.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

California Recovery Center in Roseville offers treatment for substance abuse and mental health

California Recovery Center (CRC) is a treatment provider for adults with substance abuse and mental health condition, located in Roseville and serving the greater Sacramento region.

NorCal Solar and Gutter Cleaning in Roseville: Keeping Your Home Safe and Efficient

Roseville, Calif. - NorCal Solar and Gutter Cleaning, founded in 2019 by Brian Rykhlyuk shortly after graduating from Roseville High School, has quickly become a trusted name in the community for gutter cleaning and solar panel maintenance services.

California Fence and Patio serving Placer County for over 30 years

Loomis, Calif. - California Fence & Patio is proud of their reputation as the premier fencing and patio cover contractor in the Roseville,, Sacramento and Placer County region.