It’s easy to become so focused on the physical limitations that come with a spinal cord injury that you forget about the emotional toll your injury can take. Whether you’re newly injured or have been dealing with the injury for years, you should remember to take a regular account of your mental health.
A spinal cord injury, especially one that causes paralysis, is life-changing. The trauma that you face and the way it impacts your life shouldn’t ever be minimized. You’re going to have to determine how you can deal with emotions that come with such a devastating injury.
Working through your emotions after a spinal cord injury
Some people try to suppress their emotions in this type of situation, but that can backfire. The sadness, anger and other feelings may become so intense that you can’t handle them alone. It’s a good idea to build a solid support system when you’re catastrophically injured.
The individuals on your support team should be available to talk to you without judgment. These should be people you trust to help you do what’s right for you. Because of the complex issues involved, you may want to involve a professional therapist in your emotional healing.
Depression is possible after a spinal cord injury
It’s fully possible that you’ll suffer from depression. This occurs when you have a “down” feeling that you just can’t get past. Instead of abating over time, it remains consistent or gets worse. If this occurs, you’ll need to seek professional mental health care.
People who suffer a spinal cord injury have massive changes to deal with for the rest of their lives. The financial cost of the injury and the reduction in income can make life difficult. When an injury is caused by another party’s negligence, it’s wise to seek compensation for your losses.
