Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Adapting emotionally
• Part 2 of 3: Seeking resources and support
• Part 3 of 3: Living with your disability
• Warnings

A disability, whether new or chronic, can be incredibly difficult. Society is set up to target people without a disability, even though 20% of all people in the world do have a disability. Regardless of where you live or your lifestyle, you can make changes to make your life with a disability easier and happier. By adapting both emotionally and physically, you can accept that your disability does not define you or limit your ability to be comfortable or happy.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Adapting emotionally

1. Learn about your disability. Knowledge is power, so getting to know more about your disability can give you the strength to learn to live with it. Especially if you are new to the disability, you should talk to your doctor about what to expect. Some questions you can ask are:
   • Is the disability temporary or permanent?
   • Are there any common complications or secondary illnesses that often accompany the disability?
   • Are there physical or emotional resources or support groups available in your area?
   • Are there ongoing treatments or is physiotherapy required to deal with the disability?
   • What changes will you need to make to your previous lifestyle, work, or activities to adapt to the new or evolving disability?
   • If your disability is progressive, how quickly will the progression be able to take place? Are there any means to slow the progression?
2. Accept your situation. Perhaps the most difficult part of adjusting emotionally to disability is accepting your prognosis. While it is always good to hope and work towards recovery, if you do so while looking at your current condition with contempt, it can eventually depress you and increase the likelihood of failure. You must accept your current situation as well as your possible future. By doing this, you will be able to focus your efforts on improving your standard of living, rather than your anger at how things turned out.
   • Don't confuse your acceptance with laziness. Acceptance simply means fully understanding that your situation is what it is. You still have the opportunity to work on improving it nonetheless.
   • Denying or ignoring the severity of your disability can make normal emotional and physical tasks much more difficult.
3. Focus on the present and the future, not your past. If you are new to having a disability as a result of an accident or an ongoing illness, it can be very difficult to compare your current condition with the way things used to be in the past. Letting go of your past goes hand in hand with accepting your situation. You don't have to forget how you were before, but you shouldn't look at your past in despair because of your current situation. Enjoy the memories of the past (maybe before you got the disability), but don't let it bother you. Always focus on progress and the improvement of your current situation.
   • You can still spend time with your memories, but don't let it make you depressed.
   • If you find yourself spending all of your time musing about your past life, focus on doing activities that force you to plan for the future.
4. Allow yourself to grieve. It is normal for people who become disabled or where the disability is progressive to mourn the loss of the "old self." It is okay to take the time to acknowledge the emotions you are feeling regarding the change in your life. Realizing that it is okay to be sad or angry about your changing situation and allowing yourself to feel those emotions can help you leave them behind.
5. Do your best to stay positive. People who are optimistic despite suffering from a troubling circumstance tend to be happier and healthier than those who are cynical about their lives. You can completely change your mental and physical functioning by staying focused on the positive, even when you are going through a difficult time. Although it may sound a bit corny, look on the bright side. You should not depend on external stimuli and experiences for your happiness; you have to take responsibility for your own happiness or you may never find it.
   • Try to discover the positive aspects of any situation, even if it is just a small thing.
   • Anytime you feel the need to react negatively to something, consciously stop doing so. Realize that you are negative and try to counter every negative thought with a positive one.
6. Don't isolate yourself. It can be tempting to avoid people and social matters when you feel down, but it will only make you more unhappy. Don't use your disability as an excuse to isolate yourself from friends and family or from things you enjoy doing. Rather do the opposite. Take every opportunity you are given to get out and experience new and exciting things. Get together with friends, go to social events, visit family, try a new hobby. You will feel much happier doing fun things with the people you love.
   • Spending time alone is different from isolating yourself. You should always schedule time for yourself, but don't spend all of your time alone.
   • Consider meeting with a close friend or family member every week. That way, you always have a reason to get out and see someone you love to hang out with.
7. Focus on your strengths. Adapting to a disability can make it difficult to realize your strengths and abilities. Instead of looking at the things you can no longer do, look for the things you are still very good at. Encourage these strengths and, if possible, try to improve them as much as possible. You can even discover new strengths that have emerged from your experiences with your disability.
   • When talking about your disability, don't focus on the list of things you can no longer achieve. Always talk about your options first.
   • Consider taking classes that can help you improve your talents and skills.

Part 2 of 3: Seeking resources and support

1. Don't be shy to ask for help. One of the biggest stumbling blocks to overcoming with a disability is to feel comfortable asking for help when needed. While it can be frustrating or painful, asking for help is something that will often have to be done. Know when you can do something yourself, but don't stretch your limits too much. Demanding too much of yourself to achieve anything can actually be dangerous and cause physical harm. Asking for help and getting support does not mean that you have failed or are unable to accomplish what you want to achieve.
   • If necessary, always have people (or a nurse) around to help you.
2. See a therapist. While the thought of telling a stranger about your problems may seem scary at first, there is no better person to help you through the changes you are going through as a result of a disability than a therapist. Therapists are trained to help people deal with mental and emotional trauma that may accompany disabilities. A therapist can provide you with the resources and assistance you need to accept your disability. Make an appointment with a therapist in your area who specializes in disability assistance.
   • If you are suffering from an emotional or mental illness as a result of your disability, a therapist can offer therapy or medication to help you.
   • Talking to a therapist regularly is also a good way to deal with issues you are struggling with that may not be related to your disability. A new or escalating disability can cause old feelings to resurface.
3. Go to group therapy. Group therapy for people with disabilities is a great way to not only overcome your emotional struggles, but also to meet other people who are dealing with the same kinds of problems as you. People who participate in group therapy on a regular basis are ultimately happier and more emotionally adapted to their disability. Look for group therapy in your area and see if there are classes that specialize in the disability you are dealing with yourself.
   • If you are being treated by a therapist, they may have suggestions for group therapy that you could attend.
4. Look for government assistance. It's not easy to have a disability, but you don't have to be completely alone.If your disability is having a significant impact on your day-to-day life, there are government and charity services available to help you. Contact a social worker in your place to find out which scheme you qualify for and how it can help you.
   • Just keep in mind that many of these arrangements require you to see the doctor several times to confirm your disability, so don't be offended if you are asked for verification by another doctor.
   • Find charities in your area that could help with your specific disability.
5. Consider getting a guide dog. Guide dogs are incredibly useful for two different reasons: they may be able to help you perform tasks that you otherwise would not be able to do due to your disability, and they are also a form of pet therapy, reducing the risk of depression and depression. loneliness. If your disability makes it difficult or impossible for you to successfully complete your daily tasks, then it is recommended that you consider purchasing a trained guide dog. A guide dog can get help when you need it, without relying on or depending on other people in your life.
   • There may be a government or charity arrangement that can help you get a guide dog.
   • Some guide dog assignments have long waiting lists, so keep in mind you may not be able to get yours right away.
6. Find an organization that can provide support. There are organizations that can help you cope with your disability, learn about your rights in the workplace and in public places, and direct you to local resources. A few sites to start are:
   • American Association of People with Disabilities
   • Center for Applied Special Technology
   • Mental Health America
   • Mobility International USA
   • National Organization on Disability

Part 3 of 3: Living with your disability

1. Continue to maintain your hobbies and interests as much as possible. If you stop doing your favorite activities, it will only make you feel worse. Whenever possible, do your best to maintain your favorite hobbies and activities. If things you liked to do before are no longer easy for you to do, look for new ways to do them. For example, if you like to read, but can no longer do so, you might consider listening to audiobooks; Now if you're in a wheelchair but love sports, look for wheelchair athlete teams in your area.
   • Consider starting new hobbies.
   • Taking a course for a new hobby is a great way to socialize and do something you can enjoy.
2. Take care of your overall health. A good diet and regular exercise are important for everyone, but can be especially helpful when making the transition to a life with a disability. Make sure to eat meals with lots of fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. Try to get some exercise every day, depending on your skill and level. A healthy diet and exercise also reduce the risk of depression and loneliness, as both increase the levels of dopamine and serotonin (the happiness hormones) in the brain.
   • If necessary, investigate whether physical therapy is appropriate for daily exercise.
   • Always consult your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.
   • Regular exercise will help you build and maintain muscles that can help overcome physical disability.
3. Look for jobs that complement your skills. You may find that your disability means that you are no longer able to keep your former job or perform certain tasks. In order not to fall into a financial hole and keep yourself busy, you can look for a new job that you can be successful at, regardless of your disability. List the things you are good at and possible professions related to those talents. Look for these types of jobs in your area and see what you can find. Remember, an employer is not allowed to even ask about a disability. As long as you are able to perform the job in question, your disability should not prevent you from being hired.
   • Workplaces that fall under the Equal Treatment on the Grounds of Disability or Chronic Illness Act must have suitable facilities, if possible.
   • Consider volunteering for fun if finances aren't an issue. This can help you by having something constructive to do and less self-centered. Many people who volunteer feel happier.

Warnings

• Always consult your doctor or therapist before making any major changes in your life.