A car accident can leave you with serious injuries to your limbs, and doctors may have no choice but to carry out an amputation to save your life. While you may be out of danger at the time, it may be the beginning of the long road to recovery.
An amputation can have long-lasting effects on your mental and physical well-being. Not only do you have to come to terms with losing a limb, but you also have to deal with your sense of body image and how other people perceive you.
Negative thoughts are common, especially among victims whose amputation was sudden. Below are some of the other psychological effects an amputation may cause.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among victims of amputations that result from accidental injuries such as car crashes. For instance, you might have constant flashbacks or panic attacks that interfere with or prevent you from living your everyday life.
Depression
The emotional burden caused by a sudden amputation may sometimes be too much to bear, and depression is a real possibility. The risk of depression is especially high among victims who are still in denial about their current state.
Feeling hopeless
An amputation can place mental barriers to what you are capable of, and you may feel hopeless about your situation. Losing your self-esteem can make you withdraw from society, and it might even lead to suicidal thoughts.
Coping with an amputation
The most important thing in coping with your amputation is getting love and support from loved ones. It will help you adapt to your new life with a positive outlook. In addition, getting justice through compensation will help you focus on recovery without worrying about the financial cost of any therapies or other rehabilitation you might need.
