Dealing with disability grief

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a disability or had a disabling injury it’s natural to experience grief. Learn what you can do to help deal with your grief.

Grief and the feelings that come with it

Grief, the natural process of emotional adjustment after experiencing a significant loss, is different for everyone. You might experience some or all of the feelings below:

Denial or disbelief: you may refuse to believe your life won’t be the same as it was before.
Anger: you may become angry and try to blame yourself or others for what has happened.
Sadness and helplessness: you might feel like giving up and try and isolate yourself from others.
Fear: you may begin to feel scared, anxious, or insecure – wondering what this means for your future.
Yearning: you may begin wishing you could go back in time or that things could be the way they used to be.

These feelings are natural responses to grief and it’s important to be kind on yourself as they come up. However, if you start to have feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and loss of interest in life it’s important to talk to your doctor as these are signs of depression.

Visit Healthify for more information about grief

Dealing with grief

When you’re grieving an acquired disability there are many things you can do to help you cope.

Seek help from family and friends

As you grieve it’s important to seek help from family and friends. They can help by being available to talk, helping with daily tasks that you aren’t up to doing, spending time with you, and ensuring you get all the help you need as you adjust to your new normal.

Express your feelings creatively

As described on Help Guide, expressing your feelings in a creative or tangible way can help you process your grief. This will look different for everyone, but you might keep a journal about your experience, start a blog, write songs, or get into painting or drawing. Find something that works for you.

Faith

If you're religious or spiritual, your faith can play an important part in dealing with your grief. Faith provides a perspective through which you can make sense of what has happened and move forward.

See a counsellor or therapist

Many people find speaking to a counsellor or therapist helpful in processing their grief. A qualified counsellor or therapist is trained in helping people process trauma and grief and can help you implement strategies and practices to overcome it.

Find a counsellor or therapist on the Talkingworks website

Complimentary therapies

Complimentary therapies, as described by the Mental Health Foundation, are those that differ from conventional western medicine and that may be used to complement and support it. Complementary therapies you may like to try include:

mindfulness
hypnotherapy
relaxation
massage
mirimiri
aromatherapy

Visit the Mental Health Foundation website

Support groups and networks

Joining support groups and networks can help you process your grief by talking with and getting support from people who have had similar experiences.

Read our article on finding the right support group for you

Visit HealthEd for more advice on coping with grief

Where to go for help with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts

Remember, you’re never alone. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, reach out to one of the organisations listed below.

1737 – Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor

Lifeline – Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357

Youthline – Call 0800 376 633, free text 234 or chat with a counsellor on the website

Samaritans – 0800 726 666

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

What's Up – Call 0800 942 8787 or chat with a counsellor on the website

Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)

Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)

Yellow Brick Road - 0800 732 825