Amy, you have certainly been handed a rough change in your life. So, you continue the therapy, you work with a therapist on the depression, you find a real time support group of other paraplegics. Much as your life has changed, you will adapt and move forward. Here with you as you grieve so many things lost. Comforting hugs along the way.

I was very anthletic. I trained in martial arts for some years. Then I have server depression. Now I cannot do more then ten mintues of exercises. I am a good dancer too.

Amy, I have to say it is EXTREMELY hard! You have to work at it every day. How do i know. I was a dance instructor and black belt in martial arts. The two things i loved more than anything. I broke by back and now have constant instability and pain. I cant do either of the things i love anymore.
I think what kills me the most is that nobody understands what it's like to have your entire world ripped from you in a single moment.
It feels like some cosmic whatever said 'oh this person is enjoying their life.. well we cant have that!'
I dont know how to tell you to get through it.. i havent been doing a very good job.. in the past 18 years i have tried everything.. including 7 surgeries that just made things worse.
I would say the worst part now is the loneliness. Nobody to talk to.. nobody to share with.. keep your friends and family close.. help them get over the pity.. let them ONLY do for you what you cant. It's hard for them too.. acceptance and understanding are hard for someone who hasnt experienced that kind of loss..
You can relate to them losing a spouse or child. Is it really the same.. i think so.. someone (or thing) you love everyday,. see or do everyday.. and suddenly it's gone never to return.

Sorry you ended up here. I hope you cope better than i have.

Amy, I'm sorry. What a tragic accident you have sustained! I can see why you feel so despondent. Do you realize that what you are experiencing is classic grief? You have lost something very dear~ many things actually--the use of your legs, your independence, the joy of dancing. These are major losses and well worth grieving over. But you need to start looking beyond them too.

Your life is not over and it is DEFINITELY worth living!! Your value is much greater than the things you have lost in the accident. Don't give any of your future away. God has great plans for you!

There are many who have suffered what you have and felt the same sorrow and despair that you are feeling; and yet went on to lead very happy and productive lives. I have a cousin who was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident. He eventually married his PT and had three beautiful daughters. My husband's cousin was also paralyzed in a car accident. He helps run a VERY successful family business and is very happy. I can think of many others who had their ideas of the future changed drastically and yet found that there is still a wonderful future out there. Yours is no different. Don't ever give up hope. Your future is bright!
And don't worry about being a burden. You need help. Your family and friends are glad to help you. That's a fact. You would do the same if another family member was in your situation, right?

I’m very limited in what I can do now due to back and shoulder problems so I can’t really work out. It definitely kept me sane for a long time. Now I draw and write. I’m not very good at it but I do enjoy it. Maybe you could try something like that. It doesn’t matter if it’s good as long as it makes you feel better. When I first hurt my back I actually got a kids coloring book and a box of crayons. Eventually i started painting and making models.