Suffering a disfiguring injury can be a life-altering experience. It can affect your physical appearance, self-esteem and confidence. However, it is important to remember that you can lead a fulfilling life after such an injury.
It starts with getting in the right mindset and then taking the proper steps to get your life back on track.
Acknowledge your feelings
It is natural to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, anger and frustration, after a disfiguring injury. Allow yourself to feel these emotions and do not bottle them up. Talking to a trusted friend or counselor can also help you process your feelings and gain perspective.
Focus on the right things
While you may not be able to change the injury itself, you can control how you respond to it. This can include seeking medical treatment, practicing self-care and finding ways to adapt to any physical limitations you may have.
Surround yourself with support
Having a strong support system can make a big difference in how you cope with a disfiguring injury. Friends and family can provide emotional support, while support groups can connect you with others who are going through similar experiences.
Maintain a positive outlook
It can be easy to dwell on the negative aspects of a disfiguring injury, but focusing on the positive can help you stay motivated and hopeful. This can include setting goals for yourself, pursuing hobbies and interests and finding ways to stay connected to your community.
Seek legal options
When your injury is due to the negligence of another person or entity, it can help to take all legal steps available to you. Pennsylvania law considers disfigurement as a serious bodily injury. You may be able to recoup economic and non-economic damages from the responsible party. Plus, you can hold them accountable to reduce the chances what happened to you will happen to someone else.
In any injury situation, the goal is to get back to normal life. A few simple steps can make this possible and bring about the healing needed to move foward.
