I am educating the public. Know that you are not alone. Every person with visible differences has experienced a wide variety of obnoxious reactions from others, including staring, rude questions, insensitive comments, and thoughtless actions. Very young children may not be concerned about how they appear to others, but as they age, they tend to become more self-conscious. This is greatly heightened in their teen-age years as adolescents become more aware of their changing bodies and those of the opposite sex.
Adults can be just as self-conscious.
When you don't match up to social or personal standards, it may be hard to accept yourself or to be accepted by others. A Reminder of Mortality Amputation inevitably reminds us of our mortality. In any of us, a change in body image produces anxiety. The psychological impact of amputation greatly heightens this anxiety, since loss of limb is a permanent condition, and there can be no return to former body image. As a person living with amputation, you must redefine your self-concept as well as your body image.