Living With Disability: From Limitation To Liberation

First Things First: Avoid The Breakdown

Of course, you may be a little way off springboarding into the saddle or mono-skiing right now. But hopefully this demonstrates what can be achieved in your future and that you don’t need to take your situation lying down – excuse the pun.

If newly disabled, it’s going to take time to settle in to your new circumstances. You may need treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a common problem during the aftermath of an accident, or you may have to cope with a long hospital stay or repeated trips for medical treatment. You may need to know how to deal with the reactions of well-meaning friends without essentially wanting to end them. You may need practical help with preparing for your future, or it could be that financial planning and advice is required after a life-changing diagnosis.

There are many organisations and charities to approach for help, but you must be prepared to be proactive. Talk to your friends and family (only the sensible ones), ask questions, make phone calls! Grab the help that’s available with whatever tools you have. Those Paralympians we were so proud of in 2012 achieved greatness through tackling their personal situations, even with limited funding to train for their sporting dreams.