Some days are easier than others.

As an amputee, I know it’s important to be mindful of my mental health and take steps to maintain it.

I’ve been going through a rough patch, but it’s getting better.

Seeing so many IG posts from others with limb loss/limb difference during the the month of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLLDAM) has definitely been helpful.

Things amputees can typically stress about:

1. Physical Challenges: I used to be a dancer – tap and ballet mostly, with a little jazz and modern on the side. I miss being able to pick up and execute a routine smoothly, on top of the fact that I now have more physical challenges doing daily, basic activities that have the added bonus of increased pain, discomfort, and unnecessary difficulty. I get really stressed, frustrated, and anxious. And I’ve already written about phantom pain, which is it’s own beast…
2. Emotional Adjustment: Though I was in an accident over two decades ago that left me with limited mobility in my right leg and zero mobility in my right foot, actually removing my lower right leg and foot was more traumatic that I’d expected. I’ve been angry and sad – sometimes at the same time – and that just adds to my stress. Luckily, my body image has actually improved, so that’s something I don’t worry about. Most of the time.
3. Social Isolation: I typically feel OK with going out and running errands or doing whatever it is I need to do; but sometimes, I’ll drive to a place, like the gym or to a store, and then, due the the sheer number of people there, decided that I’m not in the mood to be stared at – or to hear some kid call me a robot (especially since, duh, I’m a CYBORG) – and I’ll just drive back home. Luckily, I don’t live alone and I go to physical therapy twice a week, so I do have consistent social interaction.
4. Financial Concerns: OMG, do you know how expensive it is to be an amputee? The socks alone are over $20. Each. You don’t get a pair – it’s just one sock! The insurance I currently have allows for one prosthetic per limb per lifetime, and prosthetics usually last about 3 years. So my current prosthesis, according to my insurance, is supposed to last me the rest my life (and I plan to live a good 30+ more years). Just the thought of my prosthesis wearing out stresses me out, though I try to remind myself that it hasn’t even been a year yet so I have plenty of time to figure out options. And better insurance.
5. Employment Challenges: Amputees experience employment challenges, including discrimination and issues finding work that accommodates our physical needs. These challenges are pretty stressful and can lead to stressors, like financial and emotional strain. Even though the recent pandemic was horrible in many, many ways, the move to remote work cut down.

Where to get help:

I know it’s normal to stress about those challenges, and I’m lucky to have a great family network to help keep me centered and positive. I’ve also taken steps to find a mental health professional.

Here are some resources available for amputees who need help with mental health issues:

1. Mental Health Professionals such as psychologists or licensed therapists, who specialize in treating individuals with physical disabilities or trauma and can provide counseling, therapy, and other resources to help manage mental health issues / not-so-great thoughts. You can find these professionals through your insurance and through sites like betterhelp.com.
2. Amputee Support Groups can provide a safe and supportive environment where amputees share their experiences and connect with others who experience the same or similar challenges. These groups also typically provide resources and educational materials to help us cope with mental health issues. Available resources include:
   • Amputee Coalition – https://www.amputee-coalition.org/support-groups-peer-support/support-group-network/)
   • Hanger Clinic – https://hangerclinic.com/patients/emotional-support/)
   • Amputee Foundation – https://amputationfoundation.org/amputees/amputee-support-groups/
3. Prosthetists, your very own train professional who specializes in designing, fitting, and adjusting prosthetic devices, can also provide you with guidance and support when you’re experiencing physical or emotional challenges related to limb loss. This is especially true if your prosthetist also happens to be an amputee, like Matthew Bulow of https://www.bulowops.com/about.

Never feel bad about feeling bad

Everyone feels bad sometimes, so remember that what you’re feeling is normal. Overall, it is essential for everyone – including amputees – to always seek help whenever you feel down, overwhelmed, sad, stressed, annoyed, or just need to connect with someone who kinda knows what you’re going through. I do. Often. (I especially love that, when I attend an amputee support group, no one reminds me that I should feel lucky and blessed that I’m still alive, and that me just showing up is an inspiration to them. Ugh…) There are many resources available and people looking to connect in the same way, and seeking them out can definitely help manage emotions and can improve your quality of life. 🙂