Health > Counselling & Support

The loss of a limb is a traumatic experience and it not uncommon to experience feelings of sadness, frustration, anxiety, anger or depression. Many amputees report that these feeling diminish over time and particularly as greater levels of independence and physical activity are regained. If you are experiencing any unpleasant emotions remember that you are not alone and there are many individuals, health professionals and organisations available to assist you.

You may want to think about discussing your feelings with supportive family/friends, a religious minister, social worker, doctor, counsellor, peer support volunteer or another health professional. However, if you need urgent support and advice there are a number of free 24 hour counselling services are available around Australia.

Emotional Effects of Amputation

People who undergo amputation can experience a myriad of emotions. Some common reactions can include sadness, anger, grief, anxiety and depression. The different emotions experienced by the amputee may not only be due to the physical loss of a limb but also what effects the limb amputation will have on their family life, career, lifestyle and socialisation. Treatment approaches for each of these emotions will most likely be varied. Appropriate psychological counselling and therapy may help the amputee adjust emotionally.

Amputees may also experience a distortion of body image which can affect sexual drive or intimacy. The appearance of the residual limb may make the individual feel self conscious about his or her body image. Individuals experiencing this should seek advice from a sexual health counsellor.

Speak to your GP or Rehabilitation Consultant to contact the relevant service to meet your needs. Additionally, speaking to another amputee who has lived with the physical and emotional challenges of limb loss can sometimes be of help. For more information go to our section on Peer Support.

Counselling Services

Comprehensive counselling and emergency assistance numbers can be found in the front pages of the telephone book. However, if you need immediate counselling consider contacting one of the following organisations:

Life Line Australia
P: 13 11 44
www.lifeline.org.au

Cancer Council
P: 13 11 20
www.cancer.org.au

Kids Helpline
P: 1800 55 1800
www.kidshelp.com.au

Beyond Blue-Depression, Anxiety for all ages
www.beyondblue.org.au

Men's Line Crisis Support:
P: 1300 789 978

Suicide Helpline
P: 1300 651 251

Centre for Grief Education
www.grief.org.au

Sex Counselling - Melbourne & Sydney
sexcounsellor.com.au