Suffering from a spinal cord injury can be a life-changing event for you and your loved ones. If an accident has left you paralyzed, you may feel frightened, confused, and angry. Adapting your work, relationships, and everyday activities to your new situation is no easy task. When coping with a spinal cord injury, it is important to keep the following in mind.
Take time to grieve – Understand that sudden paralysis is a shock to your psyche. It is normal to feel grief. In fact, the grieving process is an essential part of your recovery. Although the grieving process differs for everyone, you will likely feel some amount of denial, sadness, anger, bargaining, and eventually acceptance. During this time it is important to reach out to friends and family. Many find it helpful to talk to a trained professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Many others benefit from joining support groups and meeting others with spinal cord injuries.
Work toward independence – Take the initiative to learn about your injury and discover methods for gaining control and autonomy. There are a wide range of products available to help your modify your home, car, and workspace so that you can live more independently. Because such products and modifications may not be cheap, determine whether you qualify for economic assistance from government or charitable organizations.
Learn to communicate about your disability – You may find that some family, friends, and acquaintances are uncomfortable at first with your disability, or do not know how to act around you. People will respond to your injuries in different ways. Learn to speak about your spinal cord injuries so as to convey the facts about your ailment in a manner that will put others at ease. Be ready and willing to answer honest questions and help people understand how best to help you. Be straightforward if friends or family offer too much or too little help. Talking openly and directly about your spinal cord injury can help strengthen your relationships with others.
Be optimistic – It can be easy to see all the things that you were once able to accomplish but can no longer do because of a spinal cord injury. Understand that such negative thinking only worsens your feelings. In truth, there are reasons to be optimistic about the future. Scientists are continuing to discover new and exciting treatments for spinal injuries, including treatments related to stem cell research. New innovations in technology make it easier to cope with disabilities, permitting spinal cord injury victims freedom to be active, raise a family, and have a successful career. In short, there are no reasons why you can’t live a full and rewarding life after your injury.
When Your Injuries are Caused by Another
Suffering the trauma of a spinal cord injury is difficult enough, but when those injuries are the result of the intentional or negligent actions of others, you may face added grief. Most spinal cord injuries are accompanied by medical bills, loss of income, and long term care needs.
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, it is vital that you contact a skilled personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney can review the facts of your case and determine whether you have a viable claim. If so, they can help you seek the compensation you deserve.