When an individual loses his or her mobility, that’s not the only thing that is lost. Individuals who were once able to move about as they pleased and transport themselves at will had freedom, power, and even purpose, each of which can take a toll on mental health if you don’t have them. So just as losing mobility has the capacity to cause additional losses for individuals, restoring mobility can bring about significant gains.
Individuals who are given their mobility back in any form, be it in restoring actual function of the legs or providing an alternative form of mobility, also frequently experience improvements in mental health as they capitalize on regaining the freedom to do as they please in their lives, the power to make their own choices and schedule, and the renewed purpose to be able to do and go again.
Individuals who experience a setback in mobility in essence lose their freedom, which can be detrimental to their mental health. Where they were once able to go and do on their own, with limited mobility, they are at the will of other individuals who are able to transport them and help them get where they want to go.
When an individual regains mobility, they are also able to take back their freedom in making choices for themselves again. This freedom facilitates an improvement in mood as well as mental health and capacity. Freedom to think and do what one wants is something that many individuals take for granted, but it is a priceless commodity.
Many individuals with limited mobility fall into a pattern of thinking that can be depressive in nature. Not having the power to make choices of where to go and when contributes to this tendency toward depression. An individual may feel as if he or she has no say in his or her life.
However, when the individual regains the ability to come and go as he or she pleases, the level of power that he or she regains is unparalleled. The individual has the ability to make choices for his or her schedule and can take full advantage of that ability, which is powerful when it comes to restoring mental health, reducing anxiety, and limiting depression.
A person with limited mobility may also lose sight of his or her purpose, feeling as though he or she is unable to contribute to society because he or she is not able to do what he or she once did. This lack of purpose and vision can drastically impact an individual’s mental health.
Helping an individual regain mobility, by providing him or her with options such as a power wheelchair or other mobility products can help an individual recognize he or she has purpose and is able to contribute again. This renewed vision reduces anxiety and depression and improves mental health in drastic ways.
Studies have also shown that increasing movement in general has the benefit of improving mood. This is also true for an individual who experiences restored mobility. An individual who experiences an increase in mobility is also able to increase his or her movement on a daily basis, which also has the benefit of improved mood overall. This movement can be in the form of exercise or other motions. The benefit comes as a result of the increase in motion and decrease in stationary position.
Restoring an individual’s mobility has a number of benefits, but one of the single most important is improving his or her mental health. This improvement comes as a result of the individual regaining freedom, taking back power, finding a renewed purpose, and increasing movement overall. In essence, helping an individual reclaim his or her mobility is a form of giving someone his or her life back, so why wouldn’t it improve mental health?
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she's used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.