Life’s unexpected twists, such as injury or illness, can bring about a flood of emotions, challenging us to navigate uncharted emotional terrain. The most important thing to know is that the journey of emotional adjustment after an injury or illness is not linear. It’s a constant rollercoaster of achievements and setbacks. Here are a few important things to remember when you’re feeling overwhelmed with the thought of a long road to recovery that lies ahead after an injury:
Injury adjustment is a necessary process
The emotional impact of an injury or illness can often be as debilitating as the physical effects. Acknowledging the depth of these emotions is the first step toward healing. It’s natural to experience a range of feelings, from grief and frustration to anxiety and even moments of hopelessness. Embracing these emotions without judgment lays the foundation for the intricate process of emotional adjustment. There’s no right or wrong way to face the reality of losing the ability to do the things you used to do.
Rediscovering: Who am I now?
When faced with any unexpected change, we can lose our sense of who we are. Adjustment after an injury begins with acknowledging that loss. Restructuring our identity is not an easy task, especially when unfortunate circumstances drive the need to do so. We’re allowed to grieve this loss and need time to process it. However, instead of continuing to resist change, rediscovering “who I am now” can be seen as an opportunity for reinvention. Regaining a confident sense of self is critical to finding hope through our suffering.
Not getting “stuck”
Focusing on “who I was” during injury recovery can cause us to get stuck in our and negative thoughts. Holding onto hope that things will “get back to normal” despite ongoing pain and functional limitations creates a vicious cycle that is hard to escape. Remember that having psychological support helps us recover, similar to getting physical treatments. Feeling stuck often increases the anxiety of not knowing what the future holds. Taking time to talk about these emotions and getting “unstuck” can alleviate some of that uncertainty.
Finding meaning and purpose after injury
When our identity is strongly tied to a career or life role that once gave us a sense of purpose and meaning, restarting can cause feelings of anxiety, worry, and self-doubt. Feeling a sense of injustice is common. We become resistant and frustrated, which blocks us from clearing a path forward. Working through any thoughts of uncertainty and uncomfortable emotions as they come up is critical to redefining our life’s purpose. It’s not about finding meaning to the injury, accident, or illness, but rather, starting to reclaim your sense of what matters.
Facing fears and challenges
Creating new goals often means facing new challenges. Navigating a world that stigmatizes functional limitations can be very discouraging. However, shifting the narrative and learning assertive communication skills can help ease frustrations, leaving more room for a positive and determined mindset. Having a therapist in your corner to support you when it feels like you’re taking one step forward and two steps back can be a difference maker.
Discovering hope
Beginning a new chapter, such as starting a new career can be both exciting and stressful. It’s not uncommon for our physical and psychological symptoms to worsen temporarily, which can feel like a major setback. It’s important to set up a strong support network and craft a solid plan for the transition period. This helps create a more sustainable return to meaningful life activities.
Everyone’s pathway to recovery from injury or chronic illness is different. Especially if we’ve never experienced such a sudden change, it can be jarring, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Your physical rehab is a major task, but so is your emotional and mental wellbeing. If you’re ready to make changes and shift your mindset after sudden injury, contact us today for a consultation or book in an initial session. It’s time to invest in yourself!