Promoting mental and spiritual health necessarily involves utilizing the maximum potential of the remaining physical abilities of individuals with disabilities. Issues such as making public places accessible, providing access to public transportation, and obtaining appropriate rehabilitation tools are definitely considered important and influential in this field. Therefore, the possibility of accessing public places and using appropriate transportation for individuals with disabilities is a primary and essential necessity. If there are deficiencies in these areas, without a doubt, the individual with a disability will not be able to be independent and cope with their daily life; as a result, they will suffer from psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.

Psychology explains various causes for the occurrence of depression in individuals; such as failure to achieve goals, bitter experiences, biological disorders, family problems, etc. With the onset of disability and the emergence of physical weakness symptoms, individuals with physical disabilities become dependent on others and gradually develop a sense of neediness and dependence on others. This leads to a decrease in self-confidence, negative introversion, feelings of inadequacy and being a burden, and puts the minimum abilities of the disabled person under scrutiny, causing feelings of sadness. The most common of these unpleasant feelings is depression. Depression is a type of disorder that is accompanied by a decrease in mood, a decrease in enjoyable activities, sleep problems, feelings of guilt, and thoughts of death and suicide.

Unfortunately, mental and psychological problems and depression are considered one of the most common consequences of disability. The occurrence of these problems among individuals with disabilities in developing countries – especially in Iran – has a wider range and is constantly increasing. Since disability not only affects the body of individuals with disabilities, but also their thoughts and attitudes, as well as those of other members of society, its impact on mental and emotional well-being and family and social relationships is undeniable. Individuals with disabilities are more likely to experience mental health problems compared to the general population. Physical disability can lead to psychological pressures, depression, loss of rights and benefits, as well as social support, changes in lifestyle, and social isolation. Some researchers have also shown the negative effects of the interaction between disability and psychological problems on social usefulness and economic and social status. Studies have mostly reported problems with self-esteem, self-efficacy, social relationships, life satisfaction, as well as feelings of loneliness and fear of success among individuals with physical disabilities. Self

Some solutions for reducing depression in individuals with disabilities.

Raising the level of awareness in society about physical disabilities and impairments caused by various diseases is the most effective solution for preventing individuals with physical disabilities from developing mental illnesses. By increasing the level of awareness in society, individuals with physical disabilities can more easily cope with their disability and not become disconnected from society due to being caught in a vicious cycle.

Psychiatric disorders that are a consequence of disability can worsen an individual’s situation and cause them to experience depression or anxiety, especially if they distance themselves from their social roles. Therefore, disorders such as depression are more complex in individuals with physical disabilities compared to those without disabilities who have their roles and positions in society. Therefore, increasing roles and social relationships for individuals with physical disabilities can have a significant impact on improving their mental well-being.

In order for a person with physical disabilities to be able to participate in society, the urban infrastructure and facilities – from public places to public transportation within and between cities – must be made accessible. However, in our country, there has been no appropriate accommodation for the transportation of people with disabilities, or this accommodation is only available in major cities and in limited forms. A person with a disability who uses a wheelchair, if they want to travel by bus in a small city, will not find a bus that is accessible. As a result, if they want to get on the bus, they have to get out of their wheelchair and pull themselves up the stairs, which will result in heavy stares and judgment from other passengers. These conditions impose a sense of humiliation and individual burden on them, which is an added burden to society. As a result, a person with a disability either has to constantly face anxiety in the city or ultimately choose to stay at home to avoid it, which will gradually lead to depression

All of this is possible under the condition that the government can make precise plans to make public transportation and facilities accessible for individuals with disabilities. If individuals with physical disabilities become capable and can manage their daily lives, they will be less likely to suffer from psychological damage.