How To Manage The Psychological Effects Of A Prosthesis
Posted on: 14 July 2017
Major injuries to the limbs don't just have a significant impact on your overall physical health. For the average person, these injuries can also have a psychological impact. This is true not just at the onset of the injury, but even as your transition to a prosthetic. Knowing how to navigate through this new stage in life can be especially helpful.
Embrace Acceptance
One of the best things you can do to improve your psychological state is to embrace the idea of acceptance. You have endured a significant medical battle, but the most important part is that you made it through to the other side and your prosthesis will serve as your battle scare to show the world just that. Without this acceptance, embracing and learning to use your new prosthetic will be very difficult. Accept yourself for where you are.
Be Patient
Ensure you're being patient with yourself, as this is the only way you will be able to adapt to your new prosthetic correctly. The adjusting period for each person is different. For one person, the adjustment phase may only last six months, for another nine months, but this may not be your experience. Pain levels, overall physical fitness and health and most importantly, determination will all determine your level of progression so be patient.
Stay Active
Getting used to the feeling of a new prosthetic can be a challenge. For some people, it just feels awkward and for others there might be some discomfort as they adjust. Whatever you do, keep going. Provided you have clearance from your physician, try to stay as active as you can while you adjust. The more active you are, the faster you can work through the challenge, but the more sedentary you are, the harder and the longer it will take.
Look to the Future
You might also find it helpful to look to the future. During the early stages of your medical struggle, making it to this point was likely a goal you had in mind. Now it's time to set another goal for yourself. Know that today it may be challenging and accepting your new self might seem impossible, but as long as you keep moving forward you will meet your goal and look back on this period.
Make sure you understand that every person is different. As a result, each person's experience with prosthetics will be different. Try not to compare yourself to anyone else. Take your time and move at your own pace. Contact a doctor, such as at Northern Care Inc Prosthetics & Orthotics, for more info.
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