October is come and going, going, gone into November!
Lets take a hike or just a peaceful walk!
Are you ready to take some day hikes or curl up with a pumpkin spiced beverage and a good book? Even though we are going to “gain” an hour soon, the days are getting shorter so we need to start planning some activities for indoors once the inclement weather arrives and day hikes might be harder to fit in. It can be difficult in the pre-winter weather. October leads to a mixed bag of cold, wind and rain so we need to be prepared for changes in how our limbs can feel as well.
Most importantly, how is our mental health? Winter can bring on bouts of depression even in the happiest of appearing people. I hate to write about this but the other fact we are dealing with is the continued grip of COVID-19.
Let’s do a quick mental health check-up together, so we are prepared for our shortened days of sunshine that lead us to longer days of darkness. This can bring on seasonal depression. This month we are going to dive into fall hobbies, mental health check-up, and building our winter circle of supporters.
Do you have a favorite good read to share with a friend?
Fall Hobbies!
What is your fall/winter hobby? Is it crafts, knitting? Do you like to play video games, read books? How about setting up an online get together on a Friday night where you can talk, sing, do whatever gives you joy. I know someone who gets together online with his friends and they all play music together! That is sure to bring joy to your heart. I watched a favorite Hallmark show with a patient one night having some pain and it created an opportunity for a relaxing conversation. There are many things to keep us busy and connected during the upcoming cold winter months. It is important to prevent boredom and not let depression slip in. Wrap a beautiful box in your favorite colorful paper and begin collecting things you would like to do to pass the time in the upcoming months. In it, place books, crafts, lists of movies you want to watch or go on a trip via the internet. I love House Hunters International on HGTV. It lets me travel through the show and see beautiful places I have never been to. Letter writing is a lost art - write a letter to a family member or a friend or find a pen pal. This is just a short list of ideas for the pre-winter season. Share your ideas and I will share more of mine! I am just an email away!
October is World Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health check-ups- October is 10th was World Mental Health Day.
Let’s talk about the importance of a self-mental health check-up. I know this can be hard for some to talk about in our trying times. The pandemic has created so many hardships for people of all ages. Patients with limb loss can feel the extra burden due to some having mobility issues. Finances are a huge thing to an enormous group of people. There are the added costs of food, shelter, gas. You name it - it has gone up or seems to be in short supply! COVID has changed everyone’s life. Talk (such an important singular word) - we all need to talk and share with someone. Let someone know if you are feeling the pressures of the world, and as a limb loss survivor, these can be strong feelings. There are hotlines, support groups via Zoom, friends, and family that can listen.
The Baltimore Crisis Response Inc., this agency can help you work through hard mental times. Click here .
The Amputee Coalition has great resources so you do not have to feel alone, follow this link. Click here.
The Maryland Crisis Hotline, you are not alone. Follow this link. Click here.
It is important to know that you need to reach out for professional help if feelings of depression overwhelm you.
Build a circle of supporters.
This is an extremely important plan to work on as it can make the long days of winter feel not so long. Draw a circle, then in it draw lines off it and make some boxes. Who or what are you going to write in those boxes? Sometimes having a visual plan will remind us who can we talk to - maybe plan an outing. This circle can also remind us who has the same hobbies we do. We could also use our circle and our boxes to make plans or goals. You could take many great free online hobby classes. PALS is a great interactive online class for those with limb loss/limb difference that you can take at your own pace and learn ways to help your life move forward. Check out their great website. Click here.
I hope these ideas help you to create a fall/winter plan to carry you through the darker winter months. Reach out by phone, by mail to someone you have not connected to in a long time! I am sure they will be happy to hear from you!
These tips are informed suggestions. If you do not feel comfortable with them, please do not attempt them. Instead as always contact your medical professional or your prosthetist for help and advice.
If you have a question for me about living as an amputee, ask! And if I don’t know the answer, I will find it for you, and I will leave no stone unturned to help you find your own personal new normal. If there is a topic you would like me to feature please let me know! I want us all to grow strong together. Email me at Dawn@dankmeyer.com. This email is not secure, so if you wish to keep any specific health information private, you should call Dankmeyer!
Dawn Miranda joined Dankmeyer, Inc. over two years ago as a Prosthetist Assistant after relocating from San Antonio, TX. Dawn recently left Dankmeyer to return to nursing, but still lives in the area, and continues with us as a guest blogger.