Numerous studies prove that military personnel who get to the hospital are most afraid of losing their limbs. Death does not seem as scary to them as the prospect of becoming handicapped. Unfortunately, the war that Ukrainians are facing now is the reason for a spike in the number of citizens with disabilities. Is it possible to help them adapt to a new reality? How to do it correctly? The charity found "Direct inclusion" will reveal the answers to these questions.

What things are worth forgetting about?

Relatives of disabled soldiers are people whose support depends on the speed of accepting the situation. There are several things that they must eradicate from themselves for the sake of the psychological health of the wounded:

• Pity. You should not feel sorry for either the fighter or yourself. Do not even allow such thoughts. A person continues to live, and you need to help them realize that even without a limb, they will be happy, do their favorite things, and communicate with loved ones. If you focus only on pity, you will not have the strength to move forward.
• Overprotection. Over time, a seriously wounded soldier will try to show strength and independence. At this moment, his relatives should be an observer, while it is categorically forbidden to intervene with help. Otherwise, you will only increase a person's feelings of being handicapped and provoke aggressiveness, irritation, and even isolation.
• Using the term "disabled person." Avoid this word since it means the solder is weak and disabled. The person is strong and will live to the fullest.
• Forced socialization. It is unnecessary to bring a person into some company, even close ones, against their will. This person is timid, and such steps can lead to panic and even a nervous сcrisis. After such a thing, trust in you will be lost.

What is necessary to do?

Meanwhile, it would be best not to ignore the person's limb absence. You can cheer them up but joke only when this person is morally ready for it and does not perceive such words as bullying. Monitor the state and mood of the soldier and gradually introduce them to a new context. Psychologists suggest several methods:

• Make an emphasis on uniqueness. The question of physical attractiveness for every man and woman is essential. Remind them that their beauty is not lost with the limb. They have become unique because everyone can walk and do something with two arms and legs, and with one or without – that's a task! If the soldier is your significant other, use the following phrase: "Yes, you are not the same now, but you are alive and around. We will overcome everything else together."
• Show another option. Having got a handicap, the person won't return to busy military activity. But it doesn't mean there is no business for such a person. Now they can concentrate on some new areas, for example, teaching, writing, art, etc. Show the examples of people who continue to make their ambitions come true despite some physical disabilities so that the soldier does not shut off from the world with the thought: "I can't do now what I used to do best." Wrong! You can and do it best!
• Change psychologists if necessary. Choose a specialist whom a person can trust. If the session did not bring relief but, on the contrary, aggravated the wounds, it is better to visit someone else. Military personnel often believe that if they talk to a psychologist, they should listen to them until the end because the specialist knows better what to do. Explain that this should not be the case, and you will find an "intimate" specialist.

Charity found "Direct Inclusion" reminds us that the Paralympic team of Ukraine is one of the most successful on the planet. Once these people lost their everyday lives, but found the inner force to move forward, tried a new craft, and became the best at it. Read their stories and memorize: EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE!