*This is a partnered post
For most of our lives, we take physical mobility for granted. We move around freely never really spend a lot of time thinking about what it would be like if you couldn’t. But when disability strikes, you suddenly realize that your life will never be the same again. Things that you could do in the past, you can’t anymore. It can take a lot of adjustment.
Other people have been through similar situations before, and they’ve learned a lot along the way, and can be of great help to you. Dealing with a sudden disability is never a pleasant experience, but there are strategies you can use to make it easier.
Find Your Purpose
When you’re hit with a disability, it can be a challenge to find your purpose. You can feel as though your life has been taken from you and that you’ll never be able to achieve your goals.
While many people have these thoughts, they’re rarely accurate. And even if they are, nothing is stopping you from redefining your purpose. Your disability doesn’t have to get in the way. You can push through and find somewhere else to dedicate your energies. There are always opportunities. People still need help. There are always new horizons to explore.
Get Help
Getting help can be a challenge if you’re used to independence, but it is necessary if you want to live comfortably and happily. Often, people will line up to provide help to you. But even if they don’t, you still have plenty of options, either through insurance or via state programs. FreedomCare, for instance, points out how people who need care can access government money to pay relatives a fee per hour, plus benefits. You may also be able to get access to funds if somebody else’s actions caused your disability. Compensation can cover things like lost wages and the cost of medical care.
Be Kind To Yourself
People who suddenly become disabled often talk about the importance of being kind to themselves. When you lose capacity, it is tempting to blame yourself for not doing things differently. Letting go of these thoughts is vital if you want to have a happy and productive life.
Where possible, try to see your disability in a positive light. Get into the habit of congratulating yourself for achieving various milestones and living with a chronic condition. It’s not easy. Also, do what you can to pamper yourself. Make calmness and relaxation a part of your daily routine.
Let Yourself Grieve
Losing capacity can lead to grief. You mourn the loss of all the things you could do in the past, but won’t be able to do in the future.
However, some people try to avoid going through the grieving process in the hope that they will just get used to their new condition. This approach, however, rarely works, and can actually make the acceptance process more prolonged.
If you feel that you need to mourn, please do so. Finding out that you have a disability requires substantial emotional adjustment.
