Experiencing any form of personal injury can lead to tremendous stress, physical rehabilitation and take a toll on your mental health. There are many different ways to cope with such a trauma, so it may take some testing to see which helps you the best. Here are some ways you could consider adding to your recovery plan.
Understanding the Psychological Impact of Personal Injuries
There are various psychological challenges that come with a personal injury. Depression and anxiety are common mental health issues that start after an accident. They can be linked to the lifestyle change that you may be facing following the injury.
Financial worries, physical appearance, and social isolation all play into the difficulty with your new way of living, so keeping a check on your mental health is important. You should try to remember the experience that you have been through and to be kind to yourself in this time. It can be hard, but self-acceptance is important for the healing process.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mood disorder that injured people can also face. The symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks or nightmares, being hyperaware of certain triggers, chest pains and stomach aches. It is worth noting that PTSD can have a delayed onset sometimes months or years after the event.
If you feel that you’re struggling with your mental health after a personal injury, you should seek medical advice and professional support as soon as possible.
Coping Strategies for Dealing with Trauma and Emotional Distress
If you feel that someone else was at fault for your accident, seek out a firm of solicitors who specialise in personal injury claims. This may ease the financial burden if you are successful which will have a knock-on effect on your mental health.
You may find that you end up struggling with addiction as a result of an accident. What starts out as a short-term coping strategy can easily become an entirely new lifestyle with detrimental consequences galore. If you do find yourself struggling with alcoholism or substance abuse, seek out a rehab service.
Seeking professional support is essential when dealing with a personal injury. Find a therapist that will be able to support you. Your therapist may suggest some mindfulness techniques to help reduce your stress and anxiety. Activities such as yoga and meditation are great for calming down your inner voice.
If you can, keeping physically active is helpful when you are struggling with your mental health. Exercising releases endorphins which are shown to boost your mood and improve your well-being. Exercising will also help you to heal your body if needed. For example, lifting weights carefully can help to strengthen muscle weakness. Always consult your doctor or a physiotherapist before starting, though.
If exercising isn’t possible or doesn’t appeal to you, you could turn your hand to something more creative instead. If you have always liked drawing then it could be time to pick up a pencil again. Art and being creative are great ways to express your emotions and process them in a calm and controlled environment.
Image Credits: Karolina Grabowska
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