Life after amputation: How I learned to love my body

Life after amputation: How I learned to love my body

By Lauren McDonough (she/her)

*Trigger warnings: suicide and depression.*

I stepped in front of a train and lost my legs. I attempted suicide when I was 19 years old. 

My name is Lauren; I'm 24 and live in Melbourne. I also happen to be a bilateral below-knee amputee, which means I have lost both of my lower legs. 

Since becoming an amputee, I have learned so many things - about myself, disabilities, and the world around me. When you are 19 and have spent your first 19 years without a physical disability, it is a hard adjustment - a bittersweet reality and a hard pill to swallow. The way you look changes dramatically, as does the way you have to do things. But ironically, I have never felt more comfortable in my own body. It was an extremely long process learning to walk again - in my case; It was expected I would never walk again due to the damage I had done to my stumps. But I will say this; I refused to take no for an answer. It took everything within me not to give in, but I proceeded and proved everyone wrong. A feeling of accomplishment and pride was present in that moment; I will never forget it. 

Lauren, a young woman with shoulder length brown hair is sitting on the patio with a dog at her side. She is wearing a body-con brown dress with white sneakers and two nude lower limb prosthetics.

Alt text: A young woman with shoulder length brown hair is sitting on the patio with a dog at her side. She is wearing a body-con brown dress with white sneakers and two nude lower limb prosthetics.

To myself and other amputees, October's Amputee Awareness Week is such an important week. There are still a lot of misconceptions about amputees, as well as people with disabilities. It is a week that is important because; we are celebrated, and our stories, accomplishments, and journeys are coming to the forefront. It feels liberating and freeing. We learn a lot about each other's journeys during awareness week; it feels comforting knowing you aren't alone with your experiences. 

For me, I celebrate Amputee Awareness Week by reiterating the importance of body positivity. I am a firm believer that how you look is not an indicator of who you are, and I celebrate it knowing that my body may look different. I try to teach others that this is normal and that everybody is normal. We need to change society's preconceived ideas of beauty. By doing this, I hope I can be the change we desperately need. Our bodies do not define us; we are and always will be so much more.

Lauren, a young woman with curly shoulder length brown hair is smiling and leaning to the right with her head tilted up. She is wearing a nude bra and grey high waisted underwear with her knee up.
Alt text: Lauren, a young woman with curly shoulder length brown hair is smiling and leaning to the right with her head tilted up. She is wearing a nude bra and grey high waisted underwear with her knee up.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14. 
 
All Pictures from Lauren McDonough (@lauren_mcdonough
 

Read more stories like this here. 

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