AD | Disabilities come in all shapes and forms. Some are more visible than others, some affect our ability to learn and communicate, others make moving around challenging. But the one thing that both an existing and a new disability have in common is that they don’t define the people who have them. And, that life can be easily adjusted to suit what’s best for them.
Adjusting to a New Disability
When you find yourself disabled, either due to an accident, a car crash, perhaps due to a medical error, or maybe you’re an Army veteran who’s returned home from service – here are ways your VA rating could be improved – you must remind yourself that your life can still be rewarding and just as enjoyable as it was before.
Adjusting to a new disability isn’t going to be easy. But remember, this period of uncertainty won’t last forever. Read on to find out more about ways to come to terms with your new life.
Stay connected
Now more than ever, the connection you have with your friends, family and loved ones is hugely important. Your new disability may leave you feeling angry and desperate to withdraw from those who have nothing but sympathy for you. However, this won’t help your mental state. Whether you want someone to vent to, someone to cry with, or someone to make you feel as though everything is completely normal. You can get that kind of support from staying connected with those you love.
Reach out to a mental health expert
Maybe you’re struggling with difficult thoughts, or you can’t control your emotions right now. If you’re conscious about the impact your disability is having on your mental health, then you should consider reaching out to a mental health expert.
Make your health a priority
Yes, you’re having doctor’s appointments and maybe even surgery. But, are you looking after yourself? Building on your health will give you strength both mentally and physically. So, concentrate on your diet, eat for health, and move your body as much as possible. No matter what your disability is, there’ll be exercises you can try.
Consider giving back
Were you helped by an ambulance crew? What about the nurses in the ward? Even your friends and family? Or is there a charity dedicated to researching and supporting your disability? Giving back to people who have helped you through this period of your life, will not only make you feel good but it can also help you move on and embrace your new life.
* This is a collaborative post – please see my Disclaimer.
I’d only disagree with one thing mentioned in here. My disability does define me – I say that I’m an autistic person and not a person *with* autism. Being autistic is a core part of who I am and I wouldn’t change that for anything. I’d imagine there are other folks out there with disabilities who might feel the same way and it’s nobody’s business to tell them they can’t identify that way.
I completely understand and agree with you – my apologies if I’ve offended you, Mykki, I certainly didn’t intend to. The point I was trying to make was we shouldn’t necessarily view or define someone in a certain way, but I didn’t mean to be prescriptive.
Stay connected to your family? My mom does not “see” that there are things I can no longer do and when I tell her, Which is difficult enough for me to admit to myself, she says I’m just *itching. And tells me, I used to be able to do it or I used to do it all the time.
I’m so sorry to hear that, I hope the situation with your mother will improve for both of you in time.
I know how you feel. My mom is constantly telling me that nothing is wrong with me. I suffered a severe spinal cord laceration July 8, 2023 and wasn’t supposed to be walking, but I am. It’s not good, but because I can she thinks I am FINE. Forgetting all the other effects of the injury that I won’t go into.
So sorry to read this. Hope you can access the support you need.