Mental health is one of the most important pillars of wellbeing. It serves as the foundation for our everyday interactions and general well-being. People who use wheelchairs face obstacles on their path to achieving optimal mental health.
This can be anyone, from people who have aged to people with disabilities. From being able to move freely to giving up on their happiness, people with impairments fail to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you are among those, then worry not, as you are not alone. To help you further, here is everything you need to know.
What Challenges Do People With Mobility Impairments Face?
There is no denying that the road to preserving mental health is difficult. Talking about wheelchair users, these challenges take a unique shape. So what exactly do they face? If you often wonder about these, then here is what life looks like for them:
- Their physical limitations negatively impact their mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, isolation, etc.
- One's sense of freedom and independence is suppressed, which frequently limits their range of activities.
- It negatively impacts one's sense of self-worth, leading some people to turn to unhealthy coping strategies like addiction.
- Physical impairment restricts mobility, ranging from difficulties with public transit to inaccessible public areas.
All things considered, users of wheelchairs have a huge negative impact on their mental health and general well-being.
Different Ways to Maintain Well-Being With Mobility Impairments
Now that you know how challenging the life of people with mobility impairment can get, here are some ways that help to maintain their well-being:
Utilise Assistive Tools
Mental and physical health are intimately related. Talking about people with mobility impairments, they must improve their physical well-being. Adaptive physical activities release endorphins, which naturally enhance the mood. Wondering how to get physically active? Well, here comes the time when you must buy wheelchair or other assistive tools like crutches, walking ramps, canes, etc.
Engage in Hobbies
Just because a person has mobility issues doesn't mean he/she should stop engaging in their favorite hobbies or learning new ones. There are many hobbies people with mobility impairments can engage in. This includes art, music, or any other interest. Engaging in hobbies enables self-expression and a feeling of achievement. So instead of stepping back, buy a wheelchair and do what you love the most.
Assistive Technologies
Planning to buy wheelchairs already? Well, you can enhance your journey by adding assistive technologies to it. For instance, seniors living alone can feel safer with smartwatches since they have fall detection and emergency alert features. People can receive treatment from home thanks to virtual consultations as it eliminates the need for frequent hospital stays. There are also mobility apps that offer advice on daily activity tracking, fall prevention, etc.
Therapy and Counseling
Another way people with mobility impairments can maintain their well-being is by seeking therapy and counseling. Professional assistance can offer the skills and viewpoints needed to successfully negotiate life's obstacles. This helps to improve general mental health and happiness. Additionally, therapists can provide specialised solutions to treat particular issues like abuse, bullying, etc.
Healthy Diet
Another way you can take care of yourself or others with mobility impairment is by maintaining a healthy diet. To maintain strength and mobility, rely on a diet with Vitamin D and calcium for strong bones and the prevention of osteoporosis. For the upkeep and regeneration of muscles, take foods high in protein. Besides, keep yourself hydrated, since dehydration raises the risk of falls by causing weariness and lightheadedness.
Join Supporting Groups
One of the cornerstones of mental wellness is the feeling of belonging. This can be done by developing close relationships with peers, participating in forums of people who use wheelchairs, or joining support organisations. This way you'll gain priceless understanding, companionship, and emotional support.
Medical Support
People with mobility impairments can seek medical support for overall well-being. People should opt for timely management since it aids in the early identification of conditions. Seeing a doctor more frequently might also help you change prescriptions as necessary. This is crucial since certain drugs may make you feel lightheaded or weak.
Improve Your Mobility and View Life with a New Vision
At MedGuard, we are the leading supplier of medical tools and equipment that aid in mobility. From wheelchairs, stand-to-sit aids, walkers, to rollators and more, we have everything you need. Understanding how tough the lives of people with mobility impairments can be, we offer you the best quality.
In addition to being tested thoroughly, each product comes with extra features for your comfort. You can order from us in any quantity you want since we keep ourselves well-stocked with the best brands at all times. For more, you can reach out to us anytime.
Read More: Can People With Mobility Engage In Creative Activities?