Adjustment Counseling
Disability Adjustment Counseling and Support
Are you overwhelmed or feeling lost? Are you struggling to cope from day to day? Maybe you are feeling hopeless and unsure of what life will look like living with a disability. That’s to be expected. Whether you were diagnosed with a sensory loss such as vision or hearing, experienced a sudden loss of mobility, had an accident or injury, or developed a chronic illness there will be an adjustment period of learning to adapt. All forms of illness, injury, degeneration from a genetic condition, and trauma have unique aspects to how they impact a person physically and emotionally. Chances are that nobody told you what to expect, or how to cope with the associated losses and changes dictated by your condition.
When you experience something as life altering as acquiring a disability, no matter how it happens, there are significant challenges during the transition. You have to learn to do so many things differently. Most people struggle with the adjustment to living with a disability. Why wouldn’t you? It changes how you look at life and how you do things daily. However, these challenges don’t have to be permanent.
What to Expect during the Adjustment Process
Most people who are in the adjustment phase of their condition or impairment feel a loss of self. They don’t know who they are, what their role in life is anymore, and don’t know what they are capable of doing. It’s common to feel shame or embarrassment and limit activities and interactions. People tend to get stressed out and overwhelmed by things they used to handle easily. They often get angry or frustrated with their friends and family. Every day is a mix of emotions, and as if that isn’t enough, nobody you talk to understands what you are going through.
Feeling stress, sadness, and grief are all normal aspects of the process. However, many people, when they don’t have the support and information they need, will develop some negative thought patterns, habits, and mental health disorders. If you experience any of the following, then it is time to reach out for assistance:
Anxious thoughts throughout most of the day
Isolating yourself from others you love
Limiting activities to only what you have to do
Severe changes in mood
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping most of the day
Fear of others knowing about your condition/disability
Hopelessness or thoughts of suicide
Avoidance of items/equipment associated with the impairment such as canes, mobility devices, assistive technology, or hearing aids
The most important thing to recognize is that developing a disability is not the end of your life, and does not have to be as devastating as it feels in the beginning. With some guidance and support you can find hope.
Disability adjustment counseling often includes:
Understanding and accepting your condition/disability
Grief counseling to process the losses
Learning what to expect
Identifying and confronting any negative beliefs or stereotypes you have
Moving beyond false or perceived limitations
Job or career assessment and transition
Learning self-advocacy and resources for additional support
Learning how to educate others
Consulting with schools, employers, and others on accommodations and best practices
Learning about training, adaptive skills, and devices