When Shelly Saw Ms. Jones In A Wheelchair She Felt Sorry
When Shelly Saw Ms Jones In A Wheelchair She Felt Sorry For Her She
When Shelly saw Ms. Jones in a wheelchair, she felt sorry for her. She said a little prayer of thanks that she could walk and move freely without any hindrance. However, feeling badly for a person and actually sitting in the wheelchair for another vantage point is very different. Imagine that you suffered an accident six months ago. The accident left you partially paralyzed from the waist down. You are currently seeking counseling from a professional specializing in working with individuals who have disabilities. It has been a difficult six months. Your central concerns relate to the emotional and physical adjustments you must now make in relation to your family, job, and future plans. You are permanently in a wheelchair and have limited use of your legs but full use of your arms and upper body.
In this paper, I will identify three major issues I believe I would need to work through in therapy: physical mobility and independence, emotional resilience and self-esteem, and social and relational dynamics. I will analyze how each of these issues is problematic and how my views on intimacy, usefulness, and security would need to shift to adapt to living with a permanent disability. Additionally, I will assess how well I think I could cope with such a situation if it were to happen to me in real life.
Major Issues in Adjusting to Disability
1. Physical Mobility and Independence
The first major issue is the loss of full mobility and the independence that accompanies it. Being partially paralyzed from the waist down restricts my ability to perform daily tasks such as dressing, personal hygiene, transportation, and household chores. The dependency on assistive devices or caregivers would challenge my sense of autonomy, which is deeply tied to my self-image. The frustration and helplessness arising from these physical limitations could significantly impact my mental health. Therapy would need to focus on developing adaptive strategies, embracing technological aids, and building a support system that promotes independence where possible. The problem lies not only in the physical constraints but also in the psychological impact of losing certain freedoms and the associated frustration about reliance on others.
2. Emotional Resilience and Self-Esteem
The second critical issue concerns emotional resilience and self-esteem. The transition to living with a disability often brings about feelings of grief, loss, and decreased self-worth. I might struggle with feelings of shame, embarrassment, or anger about my new reality. These emotions could undermine my confidence and create a barrier to social participation or pursuing personal and professional goals. Therapy would need to address these feelings, help me process grief, and foster resilience. Rebuilding a positive self-image despite physical limitations would be essential for mental well-being. The challenge is to reconcile the loss with the acceptance of a new sense of identity and purpose.
3. Social and Relational Dynamics
The third issue involves the impact on my social relationships and the potential for social isolation. Living with a disability may change how others perceive and interact with me. I could face stigma or misunderstandings, which might lead to feelings of isolation or decreased social engagement. Additionally, my relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners could be strained or require reevaluation. Open communication and education about my needs and experiences would be crucial. Therapy would involve developing strategies to maintain healthy relationships, establish new social support networks, and navigate intimacy and closeness in a changed physical context. The problem is that social stigmas and my own fears of rejection might hinder meaningful connections.
Adjusting Views on Key Life Aspects
1. Intimacy
My views on intimacy would need to evolve significantly. Physical intimacy often involves the use of the body, which would be limited or altered in my case. I would have to focus more on emotional intimacy, shared experiences, and verbal communication. Building trust and vulnerability would take on heightened importance. Learning to express affection and connect deeply without physical contact would be essential to maintain romantic and close relationships.
2. Usefulness
My perception of usefulness might initially diminish due to physical limitations. However, I would need to reframe this perspective by recognizing that usefulness is not solely dependent on physical capability. My skills, knowledge, empathy, and contributions to others could redefine my sense of purpose and usefulness beyond physical tasks. Volunteering, advocacy, or mentoring could provide a renewed sense of fulfillment and societal contribution.
3. Security
Feeling secure involves stability in both emotional and material aspects. Living with a disability might threaten that sense of security due to financial concerns or dependency on assistive services. To foster security, I would need to establish reliable routines, access to support systems, and financial planning. Building resilience and adaptability would be crucial to handle uncertainties and maintain psychological stability.
Potential Coping Strategies
If faced with this situation in real life, my ability to cope would depend on multiple factors, including my psychological resilience, support network, and access to resources. With effective counseling, I believe I could develop adaptive strategies, including focusing on my strengths, seeking social support, and engaging in activities that promote a sense of purpose. Acceptance and positive reframing would play vital roles in adjustment. However, I acknowledge that the emotional challenges of grieving the loss of previous independence and confronting societal stigmas could be significant hurdles. Continuous therapy, peer support groups, and professional guidance would be necessary components of my coping process. Overall, I believe with appropriate support and a proactive attitude, I could manage this new life, although it would undoubtedly require substantial effort and adaptation.
References
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- Mitchell, D. T., & Snyder, S. (2015). The Body and the Sign: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Disability. University of Michigan Press.
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