Coping with a long-term disability

Coping with a long-term disability

Having a long-term disability can be incredibly challenging, but there are ways you can improve the situation for yourself. We are certainly not saying they will make things easy for you, rather somewhat easier or more positive.

Call upon friends and family

This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but so many of us don’t want to feel as though our friends and family are obliged to help us. Conversely, many loved ones feel left out if they are not asked to help, so consider that angle too. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of recognising your own needs, which can be deemed a strength in many ways! From spending an hour or two a week helping you to clean your home to mowing the lawn every fortnight, your plea for help does not have to involve a huge amount. We all like to feel useful, even more so as we age, so asking an older companion or relative to prepare a couple of meals for the freezer would be supportive to them as well as helpful to you.

Consider a long-term disability attorney

It is not unheard of for people to be hassled when claiming money, for example, due to loss of employment and the insurance company denying your claim. Contacting a disability attorney to see what your options are and get professional advice is a good option. Doing so can also help to alleviate the stress caused by this sort of situation. 

Talk to others in a similar situation

They always say, “It’s good to talk,” and when you are living with a long-term disability, that is certainly true. Finding others who are facing similar issues to yourself can be a great way of discovering someone to talk to who truly understands what is happening to you. There are often support groups you can attend in person. However, if you feel uncomfortable with this, perhaps initially, you might find and online forum or Facebook group more appealing options.

Do things for YOU

There are hobbies out there for everyone and indulging in one of those can make you feel part of a community. So, whether it’s chess or cupcake decorating, dominoes or line dancing that you’re interested in, see if there is something to fit your needs and interests in your local area. Having a laugh or increasing your heart rate are both great ways of improving your mood. Trips to the cinema or even just meals out with friends are other options that can leave you feeling refreshed. Obviously, whatever you do needs to work for YOU!

Don’t give up on being healthy

Sometimes, when we are feeling low, it can be easy to give up and not want to focus on eating healthy and exercising. Despite most long-term disabilities, there are still ways to exercise. For a lot of people, that could be swimming or some form of exercise in water because it being lower impact on your bones, joints and muscles. Eating a balanced diet is important for everyone. We don’t suggest cutting out all chocolate, but if you’re scoffing it on a regular basis, you will probably end up feeling worse about yourself. Do what you can do!