| No one likes to imagine that suddenly becoming | | | | assistance for people with a wide range of health |
| impaired in some way could happen to them. The | | | | conditions. In addition to performing basic but very |
| unfortunate truth is that millions of Americans suffer | | | | helpful services, a well trained animal can provide |
| from this experience every year, however. It can have | | | | invaluable companionship. |
| any number of causes - accidents, assaults, illnesses, | | | | Focus on your accomplishments. Life may be very |
| genetic disorders that had gone undiagnosed until that | | | | different now, but that does not mean it is all bad. |
| point, and more. Regardless of how it happens, learning | | | | Instead of dwelling on what you can no longer do, |
| how to live with a new handicap of any kind can be a | | | | spend your time and energy practicing new skills. Take |
| long, emotionally and physically painful experience. | | | | pride in every achievement, large or small. |
| This is no reason to despair, however. People live with | | | | Express yourself. It does not matter how you prefer |
| a wide variety of conditions every day, and most have | | | | to do so - some people enjoy writing, painting, or other |
| rewarding and content lives. Getting used to a new | | | | artistic pursuits. Others simply need to shout into a |
| lifestyle simply requires patience, hard work, and a | | | | pillow or box with a punching bad. Still others would |
| refusal to give up. While everyone copes in different | | | | rather talk their feelings over with close friends or |
| ways, the following tips have helped others remain | | | | people who have been in their situation before. |
| strong during this difficult period: | | | | Whatever helps you vent, do it. |
| Find a support network. Major life changes are | | | | Learn about your options. If finances have become a |
| extremely difficult to handle alone, and there is no | | | | problem, you may qualify for assistance from state or |
| reason you should do so. Do not be afraid to ask | | | | private programs. If you are having difficulty with |
| loved ones for help; after all, you would be happy to | | | | practical issues, there may be an array of helpful |
| help them if they needed it, wouldn't you? If you do not | | | | services in your area. A simple internet search or a |
| have close friends or family in the area, ask your | | | | conversation with your doctor can yield a great deal of |
| doctor to recommend classes, support groups, | | | | valuable information. |
| services, and anything else that may help. | | | | Health conditions can be very difficult to adjust to, it is |
| If you like animals, look into getting a service pet. Most | | | | true. However, with commitment and perseverance, |
| of these animals are dogs, but primates and even | | | | you can start your life over again. |
| horses have been used in physical therapy and daily | | | | |