One day you may be working, living a normal life, and the next day everything changes. No one is prepared for sudden disability. It could happen because of a gruesome accident or a serious medical condition. When we develop disability as adults, it is a new experience and a difficult one.
It could be a temporary shift but sometimes it becomes permanent. Here is when copying becomes difficult. Many people will fall into depression when they experience a sudden disability. As it happens it hinders them from normal life.
Depression causes insomnia, appetite loss, fatigue, digestive problem, or pain. In worst cases, some people may contemplate or attempt suicide.
Coping With Depression After a Sudden Disability
A common cause of depression after a sudden disability is living in denial. When you wake up in hospital with a missing limb, you would experience shock. Doctors or loved ones may explain amputation was the best alternative. Regardless, you may not totally accept it.
It may take time and after you calm down the next thing would be to think about this new phase of your life. You may experience low self-esteem, anger or frustration, and sadness. So, how do you recover from such difficulties?
Anger
It is okay to feel angry after a sudden disability as it allows you to express your short-term feelings. However, do not allow your anger to be prolonged as it could lead to a downward spiral. So, find a way to express your anger safely and effectively.
When you are angry you may feel you are always on the edge. It could be because you lack adequate coping skills.
Coping: you will need to identify the target of your anger. In this case, it should be the disability or illness and not the people around you. Also, try to see the positive side of your current situation. You may have family, friends, and caregivers that offer you support in your new life.
Depression
As you adapt to the new situation, you may become depressed without knowing. Common symptoms to watch out for include:
- Lack of interest in the things that excite you
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Bad sleeping and eating patterns
- Suicidal thoughts or unexplained anger
Coping: if you experience most of these symptoms you may need to talk to a therapist. They will guide you on how to get back to normal living. If you need to need work and not finding any decent job because of your disability, reach out to atWork Australia as they are capable of finding the best job for you in your current situation. Also, keep yourself busy with new activities and make new friends. You may have lost a limb but there is still much for you to do with your life.
There are plenty of support and self-help groups that will accept you with open arms. You will find people facing similar challenges, which will allow you to adapt quickly.
Adaptation
It is the stage where you have accepted your situation and settled into your routines. Also, you have learned to live with the new adaptation, and you get along just fine. With enough support, teamwork, and good communication you will be happy again.
Sudden disability is a difficult experience but it’s not the end of life. It is the beginning of a beautiful chapter in your life, and you can make the most of it.
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
