Why It’s Important to Join a Support Group Following Limb Loss

By: Amanda Lyons, PT, DPT

In honor of Limb Loss Awareness Month, we will discuss the importance of participating in peer group support following an amputation. In the United States, approximately 185,000 amputations are performed annually and by 2050, the number of people with an amputation is expected to reach 3.6 million, more than double the number in 20051.

It’s vital for us to understand that having an amputation changes the lives of individuals and their families. They must adapt to altered body function and image, which can lead to psychological challenges such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. A study performed by Shawish et al. found that utilizing peer group support is effective in alleviating the emotional state of depression, stress, and anxiety among individuals with limb loss2.

Potential benefits for someone seeking support include finding another person in a similar situation who has “lived the experience” and being able to talk with them in a safe and judgment-free setting. People receiving support say they highly value a peer supporter who is a “living example” of someone who has “been there” and has personal experience with the challenges they face; someone who proves that you can live well with, or despite, limb loss.

Peer support may also provide participants with:

  • Practical information and advice about managing their health condition(s) and how to live with limb loss; this type of information and advice may not be provided by healthcare professionals or may be more easily received from a peer
  • Hope and less isolation
  • Insight about what may lie ahead
  • Someone who takes the time to listen and understand
  • A sense that what they may be feeling or going through is normal or expected
  • Information about services in the community

Family, caregivers, and friends may find many of the same benefits from peer support as their loved ones and may also benefit from peer support programs if these provide:

  • Local resources, including materials, information, and education, to better understand potential options and insight into what may lie ahead
  • A way to connect with relevant community services and with each other for emotional support

Sheltering Arms Institute offers a monthly support group for individuals with limb loss or limb difference. This group is available to current patients and members of the community. If you or someone you know may be interested in attending, visit https://shelteringarmsinstitute.com/conditions-and-services/amputee-rehabilitation/amputee-support-group/.

References

  1. Jo SH, Kang SH, Seo WS, Koo BH, Kim HG, Yun SH. Psychiatric understanding and treatment of patients with amputations. Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2021 Jul;38(3):194-201. doi: 10.12701/yujm.2021.00990. Epub 2021 May 11. PMID: 33971697; PMCID: PMC8225497.
  2. Mohamed Omran Abu Shawish*, Inshirah Abubaker Osman, Yousef Ibrahim Aljeesh, Suha Baloushah. Effectiveness of Group Support in Alleviating Anxiety, Depression, Stress Among Amputees in Gaza Strip. Sch J Psychol & Behav Sci. 5(1)-2021. SJPBS MS.ID.000203. DOI: 10.32474/SJPBS.2021.05.000203

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