So many horrible things happen to people, but you never think that one of those things will happen to you. However, the council for disability awareness reported that around 25% of people in their 20s would become disabled at some point during their careers. And with the average time taken off work for these instances is three years – which can be a huge gap when it comes to finances.
But the hardest thing, if something does happen to make you disabled, is the mental effect it will have on you. Physically, you might have to adjust to life, but bodies are resilient, it’s our minds that become the enemy. Throughout all the changes, the trails and the healing, you need to keep a positive mind as much as possible and try to make the most out of a horrible situation.
Find Out Your Rights
Put your mind at ease by finding out what rights you have, any benefits you can claim, and the coverage options for long-term disability. By knowing exactly what you are entitled to and that your finances aren’t going to take too much of a hit, you will put your mind at ease so that you can focus on getting better and adjusting to your new life. You will be entitled to some pay from work, but it might lessen over time, and you will be happy to know that no one can fire you just because something has happened to you.
Get Help
The hospital will have recommended someone for you to talk to, and you should definitely take that option. Even if you think your head is fine, or if you just don’t want to speak at all, it will help. This person is fully trained and experienced to know what you are going through and to offer advice and help through everything. Plus, they are a neutral party. They aren’t a family member that you’re going to lash out at, or a doctor looking at things through a medical lens – this person can take your tears, your anger, your grief, and help you to break through it and turn it into hope.
Work Hard
Just because you’re not at work right now doesn’t mean that you should stop working hard. Both on your adjustment, and on some sort of hobby. You will be given exercises to help you get motion back, build your strength back up, or having to relearn basic movements. Don’t get angry and stop trying. Scream and shout and throw things, then pick yourself back up and do it again. As for the hobby, you need something outside of yourself to focus on. Take this time as an opportunity to do something new – to try something you never did before. Take up knitting or writing – maybe it’s time to write that novel you have always wanted to write. Sketching, wheelchair basketball, swimming, anything that gets you out of your head and focusing on something else.