Disfigurement is one of the most challenging issues for many dog bite victims in Georgia. If you were disfigured by a dog attack, you might be struggling with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-esteem issues, feelings of low self-worth, and much more. You might wonder how you are ever going to form normal relationships after suffering noticeable facial scars. Although the road ahead may seem challenging, there are many things you can do to maintain your mental health.
Speak With a Therapist
Regardless of how you are feeling, it generally helps to speak with a mental health professional. Many people are reluctant to seek this type of health, and men are statistically less likely to schedule appointments with therapists. However, these sessions could be more productive than you realize – and they may guide you toward a sense of closure and acceptance.
You may be able to pursue compensation for these mental health sessions. When you take legal action against the owner of the dog, they may be required to pay for your medical expenses – including any mental health therapy you receive. In other words, you should not feel reluctant to seek help simply because of your financial limitations.
Consider Reconstructive Surgery
Another option is to consider reconstructive surgery. While the viability of this treatment depends on your unique circumstances, you should at least discuss it with your healthcare providers. It may be possible to alter your appearance in a way that restores some of your lost confidence.
As with mental health therapy, you may not need to pay for the cost of this treatment. A dog bite lawsuit in Georgia could provide you with the necessary compensation to cover reconstructive surgery, and you shouldn’t hesitate to pursue this option simply due to lack of funds.
The FACES Approach
The Plastic, Maxillofacial Surgery and Aesthetics (PMFA) Journal promotes the “FACES” approach for those with disfiguring facial injuries. This acronym stands for “Finding Out,” “Attitude,” “Coping,” “Exchanging,” and “Social Skills.”
- Finding Out: This involves researching what kind of medical treatments might help, including reconstructive surgery.
- Attitude: Developing a positive attitude may provide you with greater confidence, making your disfigurement less of an issue for both yourself and others.
- Coping: Therapy could help patients come to terms with their feelings and accept their new reality.
- Exchanging: It may also be beneficial to share your experiences with others, especially those who are also dealing with facial disfigurement.
- Social Skills: It may be necessary to learn new social skills as you recover from your disfigurement. In particular, it could be challenging to manage other people’s reactions to your face. With effective preparation, it may be easier to deal with these reactions.
You are Not Alone
Although recovering from a dog bite can be a long and difficult process, you should know that you are not alone. Numerous professionals are waiting to assist you, including therapists, doctors, and many others.