An unexpected and severe physical injury could immediately change your life and leave you grappling for some sense of security. You may have concerns about your independence, your ability to maintain your career and whether or not your family will stay by your side during such a difficult time.
One of the repercussions of serious physical injuries is the toll they can take on your mental health. If you ignore the emotional impact, you could develop a number of serious mental illnesses.
Acknowledge your feelings
Your emotions could be all over the place after your injury. According to WebMD, it is not unlikely for a physical injury to trigger anger, stomach pain, emotional outbursts, trouble concentrating, fatigue and anxiety. Acknowledging the way you feel will help you heal.
One option you might consider is to record or write down what happened. Articulating your experience is a great way to verbalize your feelings. Once you finish writing, you can go through and highlight the emotions you mention. This will provide concrete evidence of where you need help.
Ask for help
Managing the side effects of an injury alone can cause debilitating anxiety. This could lead to depression, isolation and even suicidal thoughts. Talking about your experience and your feelings may alleviate a great deal of uncertainty. You might consider working with a therapist. A professional can help you identify healthy and productive ways to manage the emotional triggers you may experience as a result of your injury.
Ask your family and friends for help too. Involve them in your injury recovery and ask them to help you maintain your goals. Having a reliable support system may help you adequately care for your mental health in light of your physical injury.
