Coping with a sudden disability can be difficult because you have to deal with mental and emotional pain apart from the physical trauma. You may still be in denial, have regrets and anger towards whatever caused the disability.

Nevertheless, you need to garner all your willpower, change your thoughts, and think of how to cope with the disability and make your life more meaningful. Understand that you can still live a happy and fulfilling life even with a disability. As hard as it is, accept the disability and learn more about adjusting your life accordingly.

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Focus on the Present

You will have negative thoughts or regrets and anger, but that will not help you recover. Maybe the illness or accident was preventable but focusing on that won’t make the situation change. Focus on the moment and what you need to do now to make your life better. If you have a physical disability, start thinking of ways you can gain mobility or heal faster. Start thinking of how lucky you are. It could have been worse, but you are still alive and on your way to recovery.

Also, don’t worry about the future. Don’t think about rejection, death, or how you will cope with life. It might be hard at the beginning as you deal with the transition, but it gets better with time. Don’t worry about what people will say, whether you will still be able to go on with work or about the plans you had made. Everything will fall into place eventually.

Make an Effort to Be Independent

 As much as you need to take care of your mental and emotional health, it’s also essential to start learning how to be independent. You don’t want to rely on family members or friends all your life. Being independent means your wellbeing doesn’t depend on anyone else, and you can build healthier relationships with people around you. Consult your specialty doctor on how you can regain mobility fast.

The recovery path you take depends on the type of disability you are dealing with. If you’ve lost your hearing, you may have to learn sign language. If your legs or back are paralyzed, invest in a specially designed power chair that makes mobility easier. You don’t have to wait for someone to wheel you around but can take care of yourself and attend simple house chores and go to work. Some arrangements may take a while but worth the investment.

Reinvent Yourself

It’s essential to accept that life will never be the same again. You may not be able to hold the same employment position or maintain the lifestyle you had before. You may even have to change your friends, neighborhood, and house. Reinventing yourself makes you cope better with the disability and get meaning from your new life. Focus more on your passions, and it will be easier to start a new job. When you are passionate about your job, you will work hard to overcome the challenges to build a successful career. You may also start volunteering in areas you are passionate about. For instance, you already know how hard it is to accept and deal with a sudden disability. You can volunteer your expertise and time to help others going through a similar situation.

Check the Available Financial Resources and Support Systems

The sooner you accept the disability or the current situation, the faster you will receive any available support. Many government initiatives support people living with disabilities. You can access cash grants, housing support, employee, and insurance benefits. The government may offer loans and grants to help you modify your home or find an affordable place to stay. You can also get support to change your car, get tax breaks, and healthcare aid. Also, some non-governmental organizations are willing to support you to live a more meaningful and comfortable life.

Build a Support System

The journey will not be easy, but some days are harder than others. You need people who are willing to love, walk, and support you. If you have a loving family and friends, you are assured of a healthy support system. Additionally, look for a support group. Having friends with whom you share experiences will help you understand that you are not alone. You will also learn the struggles other people go through and how they overcome them. Support groups make you stronger.

With the right mindset, help, and patience, you can build a meaningful life, sometimes better than the life you had before the disability. 

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