A slip-and-fall accident left you with a serious spinal cord injury. Doctors already treated you, but you still have a long road to recovery. How do you cope and prepare for difficulties?
Mayo Clinic discusses coping and support options for spinal cord injury patients. More than your body needs and deserves to heal right now.
Learn
You may find it helpful to learn about and explore options for regaining your independence. For instance, new vehicle modifications and equipment could help you get back behind the wheel and on the road again. To make your home easier to navigate, look into modifications such as special sinks, ramps, more-accommodating doors and grab-bars. To make these modifications more affordable, research federal or state support services or financial help.
Grieve
While no one died, you still experienced a loss, which means you may feel grief over your injury. Grief works differently for everyone, so accept your feelings whenever and however they manifest. Along with grief, you may also experience emotional stress when thinking about how your injury affects your income, personal relationships, career possibilities and lifestyle. If your grief or stress becomes too much, consider seeking help from a therapist.
Communicate
Try not to shy away from discussing your injury and its life effects with your friends and family. They may feel unsure of how to act around you and which questions to ask. Sharing what you learn about your injury with your loved ones may help you grow closer and reach a new understanding.
A spinal cord injury could affect your life in unexpected ways. By healing your mind and body, you could have an easier time experiencing peace of mind.
