Adjustment to Physical Disability

The field of rehabilitation recognizes that people who become physically disabled go through two emotional stages, denial and mourning, before adjusting to their disability. Negative aspects of these stages, such as dependence and hostility, are viewed as logical outcomes within a society such as ours that perpetuates an ideology of normality. Although denial and mourning are natural responses to a disabling event, sometimes the denial (thinking one will get well in time or is able to physically do more than in actuality) and mourning (sadness and depression), take longer to overcome and impede the rehabilitation process and eventual reintegration into society.

If you have prolonged difficulties with these negative aspects, let your doctor know. Most major hospitals have support groups of individuals experiencing similar difficulties. If not, perhaps a referral to a mental health professional might help.

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disability adjustment, traumatic disability, physical disability