Amputee Support & Your Emotional Recovery

Taking care of your mental health throughout this journey is as important as your physical recovery.  

Rehabilitation after amputation is a long and variable process that requires resilience. It takes time and patience and consistent positive action. It’s not always easy. It is possible to build back into a life you enjoy.

An amputation is in many ways similar to the loss of a loved one, and you will likely go through several stages of grief as part of your recovery. 

Grieving is how we open avenues of healing and renewal. Sometimes it will feel calm and natural, but it can also feel heavy and more complex. 

In difficult times, you can turn to your family and friends. Some people find it helpful to talk with others who have gone through a similar experience. If anything you experience starts to feel too much, we strongly encourage you to seek psychological support. Most people need some kind of support along the way and report that it has helped them get through the tough times and get back into the good times. 

Know you are never alone and it’s normal to feel a lot of different emotions. Just as with your physical recovery and rehabilitation, there are people and treatments here for you.  

Local resources:

• Amputee Coalition Emotional Recovery Fact Sheet
• Amputee Coalition Support Groups & Peer Support
• Stories