Injury isn’t just about physical recovery. Oftentimes, it’s a mental battle, too. This is because physical trauma to the body can affect and even cause some mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
On top of that, after an injury, you have to rely on others, adjust your daily routine, and even reimagine your future plans. That mental strain is real, and it deserves as much attention as your physical healing.
But how do you start repairing your mental health when you’re still struggling with a body that’s healing?
Here are some practical steps to help you regain your emotional and cognitive strength as you recover from an injury.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
First, let’s be clear: there’s no shame in feeling upset or even angry. If your injury was caused by someone else’s carelessness, those emotions can amplify. You might find yourself battling resentment or feeling like your situation is unfair (and honestly, it probably is).
The key is to allow yourself to experience these emotions without letting them control you. Accept them for what they are, but don’t let them define your mindset. Recognizing that it’s okay to be frustrated is a major step toward managing the emotional rollercoaster.
Talk to Someone (But Choose Wisely)
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s natural to want to talk to someone. But be selective. Not everyone is equipped to offer the support you need. Talking with a professional – like a therapist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy – can help you develop coping mechanisms tailored to your specific challenges.
Sometimes, well-meaning friends or family members might offer advice, but unless they’re experienced in mental health, their guidance might miss the mark.
Focus on What You Can Control
After an injury, it’s easy to obsess over what you’ve lost, a.k.a. the things you can’t control at the moment. While understandable, this can lead to feelings of helplessness. What you want to do instead is try to shift focus toward the things you can still control.
Maybe it’s adjusting your diet to support recovery or diving into a hobby you can enjoy from a seated position. The point is to regain a sense of autonomy.
Now, if someone else caused your injury, that can make the mental recovery even more challenging. This is especially true with severe injuries like a coup-contrecoup injury, where the brain is damaged due to both the initial impact and the brain hitting the opposite side of the skull.
Dealing with the emotional impact of this can feel overwhelming. In such cases, seeking legal advice from a coup-contrecoup injury lawyer may help you regain a sense of control. They can guide you through the legal process, helping you pursue compensation, which can ease some of the financial and emotional strain.
Exercise Your Brain
While your body may need rest, your brain doesn’t. In fact, it’s essential to stay mentally active during your recovery as this can help reduce feelings of helplessness.
Activities like reading, solving puzzles, or even engaging in stimulating conversations can keep your mind sharp. Depending on your interests, you might also explore meditation or mindfulness exercises to boost your mental clarity. The key is to keep your brain engaged so that you don’t spiral into unhealthy thought patterns.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
It sounds basic, but your environment matters. Negative people or stressful environments can make recovery harder than it needs to be. If possible, surround yourself with people who uplift you and offer genuine support.
Creating a positive physical space – maybe adding a favorite photo or a plant to your recovery area – can also make a difference. Recovery can feel isolating at times, so it’s essential to keep reminders of hope and positivity nearby.
Stay Patient with Yourself
Finally, remember that you’re human. There will be days when you feel like progress is too slow or you’re not doing enough. That’s normal, and it’s part of the process, so be kind to yourself as you would be to others.
Recovery, especially from significant injury, isn’t linear. There will be ups and downs, and the sooner you accept that, the better you’ll be at handling those dips.
Patience isn’t about complacency but about recognizing that healing – both mental and physical – takes time. And that’s okay.
