If there’s only one thing that’s certain in life, it’s that nothing is certain. Your whole life can change in a split second, and all you can do is to adapt to your circumstances. That’s what happens when you suffer through an accident or medical condition that leaves you with a partial disability.
Of course, that’s understandable considering that nobody can predict the future. A person can try to avoid every curveball thrown at them or protect themselves from the unforeseeable. But at the end of the day, you can’t evade the inevitable. How you move forward after is what matters the most.
People cope with their situations in different ways, which is why it’s important to note that what works for others may not work for you. Fortunately, there are general steps that you can take to ease you into the process of moving forward. In fact, here are the three approaches you can begin with:
Securing Your Finances
While there are more pressing matters that may be at stake, like your physical and mental health, you must also factor in your financial situation. This might be the last thing on your mind right now because money is arguably the most stressful topic you can discuss while focusing on your recovery.
But it’s also important to make sure that your finances are secured. When you experience a debilitating medical condition after an accident, it halts you from performing your normal duties. This can include going to work and earning a living to provide for your day-to-day needs.
However, because you’re partially disabled and still recovering, you may not be able to work to earn an income. If you had disability insurance coverage, then you might not have to worry about where you can get financial support because your coverage can replace the salary you’re losing.
One way to approach this if you don’t have coverage is to apply for a disability claim with the Social Security Administration. The application process for this can be long and winding, which is why it might be better to seek help from a Social Security disability lawyer who can guide you through the arduous procedures.
Getting the Right Support
It can be very difficult to get a semblance of normalcy when you don’t have the right support system. Healing is tough because it’s not linear; you might wake up one day and feel as if all is right in the world even if you’re partially disabled. But after a week, you might also feel like the earth is weighing on your shoulders.
There’s no shortcut to recovery; you have to experience all the highs and lows of it to make sure that you’re okay. But don’t lose hope because you will feel okay one day; it just takes some time. So while you’re still recovering, it’s important to surround yourself with people who can give you emotional support.
Your support system could be your friends and family who assist you in your day-to-day activities. They might also just be there to provide companionship so that you won’t feel lonely. Another option that you have is to join a support group with people who are dealing with the same things you are.
Partaking in Therapy
As mentioned before, healing is not linear and it also won’t happen on its own. You have to want to heal and recover so that you can be motivated to take proactive approaches. For instance, you can start seeking therapy both for your emotional and physical well-being.
If you feel like what you went through gave you trauma that you can’t resolve alone, it might do you well to talk with a psychiatrist. These are people who studied the complexities of human beings and can help you talk about what you’re feeling, as well as how you can cope with your situation.
But if you believe that your body is ready to relearn basic motions after your debilitating condition, then you can seek out physical therapists. It can be frustrating at the start because you know that you can do what you’re being asked to do, so give yourself enough time to adjust to your new circumstances.
Keeping a proactive mindset will give you more control over your new situation and make you feel hopeful rather than helpless. You might stumble and fall repeatedly, but that’s all part of the process of healing. Sooner or later, you’ll be back on your feet and ready to face the world.
So don’t let a partial disability keep you from living your best life. Instead, focus on your recovery by removing unnecessary stress and external pressure. Try not to be tempted to rush your healing process because that might be more harmful to you in the long run.
