1. Learning to accept your disability
Give yourself time to mourn
• Don't try to suppress your feelings
• You're likely to go through a roller coaster of emotions
• You don't have to put on a happy face
• You can be happy, even in a new body
• Don't dwell on what you can no longer do
• Learn as much as possible about your disability
2. Find ways to minimise your disability's impact
• Be your own advocate
• Take advantage of the things you can do
• Set realistic goals and be patient
3. Ask for (and accept) help
1. | Nurture the important relationships in your life |
2. | Join a disability support group |
3. | Accepting help doesn't make you weak |
4. | Consider talking to a mental health professional |
4. Find things to do that give you meaning
1. | Volunteer |
2. | Develop new hobbies and activities that make you happy |
3. | Find ways to give back to those around you |
4. | Take care of an animal |
5. Making health your priority
Exercising:
• Start small, build from there
• Get creative
• Listen to your body
• Don’t compare yourself to others/ your past self
Eat well:
• Get lots of high-quality protein
• Minimise sugar and refined carbs
• Focus on how you feel after eating
• Drink plenty of water
Don't underestimate the power of sleep and make stress management a priority.