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How can I adapt to life with a disability? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: How can I adapt to life with a disability?
• 0:04
  SPEAKER_00: Whether your disability is visible or not, there are many things that you can do to help you adjust to life.
• 0:11
  SPEAKER_00: So firstly, it's really important to build emotional resilience.
• 0:16
  SPEAKER_00: Initially, we may experience feelings of anger, frustration, grief and fear.
• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: And also grieving over a future we thought we had all planned out.
• 0:37
  SPEAKER_00: So get a good support network in place, whether that be with one-to-one counselling or joining support groups or forums online.
• 0:46
  SPEAKER_00: You will know if you feel comfortable in groups, but please, just a caution, remember that your journey with a disability will be unique to you.
• 0:56
  SPEAKER_00: So try to avoid comparing yourself to how others cope or manage.
• 1:01
  SPEAKER_00: Acceptance is also an important part of adjustment.
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  SPEAKER_00: Reframing your abilities rather than focusing on the limitations will really help with this.
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  SPEAKER_00: So, for example, what can you still do that you enjoy?
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  SPEAKER_00: How can you find other ways to enjoy what you used to do?
• 1:21
  SPEAKER_00: So adjusting, adapting, and are there things that you can replace the old things with that you might not have considered?
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  SPEAKER_00: Setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories will help bolster your emotional resilience too.
• 1:39
  SPEAKER_00: So establishing a routine would also give you a sense of control over your day.
• 1:45
  SPEAKER_00: Make a plan, and plans help you have predictability and control over what you choose to do every day, especially when the future feels a little bit out of control.
• 1:59
  SPEAKER_00: Apply for assistance where possible.
• 2:02
  SPEAKER_00: So you may have access to a blue badge, for example, if you're getting out and about, which will help you to maintain your independence and freedom.
• 2:11
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, also practical adjustments in the home, in your environment, so adapting your outer world, so with grab bars, ramps, and text such as mobility aids, communication devices and software.
• 2:26
  SPEAKER_00: Accepting that you will have good days and bad days will also help you manoeuvre your life.
• 2:32
  SPEAKER_00: Self-compassion and acceptance of our body and our mind and the new limitations will help you to see life in a different way and participate in a different way.
• 2:44
  SPEAKER_00: But who says you can't discover new hobbies, new friends, and go to new places that you would never have known before?
• 2:52
  SPEAKER_00: Honouring the loss and change whilst adapting and finding joy when you are ready will be the way forward.
• 3:01
  SPEAKER_00: So again, leaning into support through specialist support groups or therapy can really help.
• 3:08
  SPEAKER_00: Please don't isolate yourself.
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  SPEAKER_00: So maintain connection with your community, chapter neighbours, attend local meetings, anything at all which keeps you connected because you do not want to feel isolated.
• 3:23
  SPEAKER_00: Just be aware as well that many times it can fall on you to make people more aware and educate others about your disability.
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  SPEAKER_00: So be prepared to become an expert in yours.
• 3:34
  SPEAKER_00: Raising awareness and understanding in others is never a bad thing.
• 3:39
  SPEAKER_00: Please, if you are struggling no matter what time of day or night, do not hesitate to reach out to the NHS 111, Option 2 for Mental Health or the Samaritans on 116 and 123.
• 3:52
  SPEAKER_00: I hope this has been helpful and please take care of yourselves.