Mobility problems can come about for a wide range of reasons, from injury to disease and of course the aging process. Whilst we know that mobility issues are a physical health problem, it is also important that we consider the mental health implications too. Once your body is not working the way in which it always has done, this can be a big problem for people to go through. This is exactly why we must ensure that we are doing all that we can to support those who are going through these troubles, and here is how we can support their mental wellbeing.

Using Aids in the Home

We find that many mobility patients take a while in accepting their new limitations and bring support into the home which can help them out. Companies like Apria Healthcare sell an enormous range of tools and gadgets which are designed to support people who are struggling with their mobility. This offers physical support of course but there are also mental wellbeing benefits too. Aids and gadgets help people to reclaim their independence and to carry out simple tasks without complications. Adjusting to this new life is tough, but these products can help smooth the process.

Speaking Candidly

Something which a lot of understandably do with people who are struggling, is to be there yet not really discuss the issue of their mobility. We do this with good intentions of course, but in most cases it actually just skirts around the problem. The best course of action here, to show your support and to help your friends and loved ones, is to tackling it head on. Ask them how they are feeling, what they are struggling with and see if you can help. You will know very quickly whether or not they want this discussion, and that will help you to get an idea as to where their mental health is.

Being There

It may sound like a very simple way of helping —and in truth it is — but simply being there for them is absolutely huge. The issue which so many with mobility issues have is that they feel like a burden on others, especially when those people begin to do more and more things without them. There will of course but some activities which will change, but just being there for the person is going to show them that you care and that some things really don’t change.

Testing Limits

A tough way to help the person is to actually help them in pushing their limits. Some people lose a bit of ability but then convince themselves that they have lost all ability, which contributes towards depression and things like that. Encouraging your friend or loved one to keep pushing and trying is the ideal way to spur them on and make them feel better about what they can actually do.

These are great ways of doing your bit to support the mental wellbeing of someone with mobility issues.

Jane