06 Oct Navigating the mental impact of limb loss and finding hope through prosthetics
Navigating the mental impact of limb loss and finding hope through prosthetics
October is Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa, which calls on each one of us to stop and assess our mental health, check in on those around us, and have open conversations around mental health, to help reduce the stigma that so many are faced with.
As a world class prosthetics, orthotics, and podiatry practice, we witness the mental impact that limb loss, and other physical disabilities, have on individuals on a daily basis.
One of the most profound challenges a person can face is losing a limb. The physical toll of such a life-changing event is evident, however, the mental and emotional impact is something that is often overlooked. At Grant Monaghan and Associates, we understand the unique struggles that amputees face daily, and we often recommend that our amputees see a psychologist or psychiatrist as part of your overall treatment plan.
That said, we continually remind our amputees that starting their prosthetic journey is one of the first steps to feeling better mentally. This is because knowing that you will someday be able to regain your movement and mobility creates hope, which has a significant mental effect too.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the crucial connection between physical health and mobility, body positivity, and prosthetics.
The Emotional Impact of Limb Loss
Losing a limb can be a traumatic and life-changing event, no matter how it happens. Amputees may experience a range of emotions, including grief, anger and depression, which should not be underestimated or ignored. However, it is important to note that everyone copes with limb loss in their own way.
Here are a few factors that may impact how individuals deal with losing a limb.
- Reason for amputation
- Preparation time
- Prosthetic accessibility
- The limb that was amputated; arm vs. leg
- How the amputation may affect their ability to do their job
The Journey Towards Acceptance
The different stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. Each individual will take a different amount of time to work through these stages and grieve the limb that they lost, eventually ending in a state of acceptance.
Accepting a prosthetic limb is the first step towards regaining mobility and independence. However, it is also a significant milestone in the journey toward accepting the changes to your body. Many amputees struggle with their body image and self-confidence after limb loss. For those feeling less enthusiastic about their new limbs, we offer cosmetic covers to match the appearance of the opposite limb.
The Role of Prosthetics in Recovery
Prosthetics play a significant role in helping amputees regain their physical abilities, as well as recover from the emotional trauma of limb loss. A well-fitted prosthesis not only helps to regain mobility but can also significantly impact the patient’s mental health. Prosthetics, and the idea of being able to regain full mobility and movement once again, give patients the hope they often need to carry on.
Our Commitment to Your Mental Health
At Grant Monaghan and Associates, we understand the unique needs of amputees. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of limb loss. We also have two in-house psychologists at our offices who ready to assist you should you need additional mental support.
Finding a Purpose
Finding a reason to get up each day, and something to be excited about, can be vital to a patient’s healing journey. Whether it is a career change, a new hobby, or giving back to your community, finding a way to turn your loss into purpose will help you to overcome obstacles and succeed in the future.
Terry Fox, a Canadian athlete who lost his leg due to Cancer was a prime example of someone who turned their loss into purpose. After losing his leg Terry Fox embarked on an east-to-west cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research.