008 Personal Perspectives on Vision Loss with Meredyth Mason

Meredyth Mason shares her journey from receiving a devastating retinitis pigmentosa diagnosis at 32 with no resources or support, through two years of crippling depression, to rebuilding an active, entrepreneurial life with her guide dog. Diagnosed later in life after experiencing night driving difficulties and missing letters on computer screens, Meredyth discusses the complete lack of medical support she received and how she eventually climbed out of depression by taking agency over her recovery one small step at a time. She explores the difference between being alone and being lonely, the importance of removing toxic influences from life, and how she transitioned from corporate employee to successful entrepreneur. Meredyth also covers her experience with Division of Blind Services, learning to use a white cane, getting a guide dog from Leader Dogs for the Blind, and returning to activities like golf and trap shooting through adaptive sports. Her message centers on defining success on your own terms rather than living up to others' expectations, and building a supportive community within the vision loss world. Topics covered: retinitis pigmentosa, late diagnosis, depression recovery, entrepreneurship with vision loss, guide dogs, white cane training, Division of Blind Services, adaptive sports, food security, self-care, agency, mental health, isolation vs solitude, toxic relationships, vocational rehabilitation, assistive technology, independent living, travel with vision loss ABOUT THE PODCAST inSight Out is your podcast home for living well with vision loss. Host Matthew Reeves (LPC CRC NCC) is a legally-blind psychotherapist and rehabilitation counselor specializing in helping people thrive while living with disability. Matthew is licensed in Georgia and is a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. Please be sure to subscribe to catch every episode. And remember to share the show with others in the blind and low-vision community! CONNECT WITH US Podcast Home: https://insightoutpod.com Talk to Us: https://speakpipe.com/insightoutpod Email: mailto:[email protected] Watch on YouTube (with transcripts): youtube.com/@insightoutpod Feed: https://www.insightoutpod.com/feed.xml Reddit Community: https://www.reddit.com/r/inSightOut/ Social Media Handle: @insightoutpod   ©Integral Mental Health Services, LLC