If we let our capabilities define who we are, it is sensible when they’re gone, that we might think less of ourselves. However, we are able to move past any losses we run into by using our most valuable skill: the power to make selections.

Common losses and perceptions

Folks lose powers such as remember, eyesight, hearing, language, reasoning or mobility daily. The amount of impairment and the value placed on the skill will significantly alter a person’s lifestyle. This is very true when the lost ability is one that we depend on for pleasure, work or day-to-day living. Common to a lot of losses are the perceptions that we have lost control over our lives, that we’re not whole and that we can no longer make meaningful contributions. These awareness can damage our self-image.

Who loses skills?

Everyone. Accidents, violence, medical conditions and aging cause losses. Consider sicknesses for example multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis. The prognosis for all these conditions is a slow but progressive loss of several of the skills we take for granted. Strokes, heart attacks or injuries frequently cause unexpected loss of skills. If we injury free and stay healthy, all of US experience the gradual decrease of skills related to getting elderly.

Suggestions for healing

Restoring a wholesome self-image begins with picking exactly how we perceive the loss. As noted by Linda Noble Topf in “You Are Not Your Illness,” life is more than our past achievements or future expectations. Rather, a healthy self-image is determined moment to moment, day to day as we determine what accomplishments are purposeful and what goals to work toward. It is the ability to accept the negative feelings of a loss for what they are, a reaction that is human, after which to make the decision to proceed. Deciding to let go of negative beliefs and awareness opens doors for other opportunities. Changing how we think can actually change our own lives.

Healing is like life. It’s a procedure, not an individual occasion. The following ideas can assist you, or a family member, through the process of fixing a damaged self-image:

• Accept and work through your loss. Counselling might be helpful.
• Reframe your position into a way to acquire new skills, interests and insights.
• Join learn from others and support groups.
• Establish targets which are attainable and measurable.
• Reward yourself for achievements.
• Raise your societal involvement.
• Help others.
• Focus on which you can do.
• Communicate your wants.
• Express your self through writing, music, art, activity, etc.
• Take part in a proper kind of physical action, if possible.
• Stop thinking that is negative.
• Educate yourself. Find out about your community’s medical and social services.
• Be kind to yourself.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Depression Center.