A person who’s involved in a car wreck may suffer from a spinal cord injury. These injuries are sometimes temporary, but some are permanent and come with long-lasting impacts. Unfortunately, individuals who have a permanent injury will likely have to cope with considerable changes.
The rapid and dramatic changes that come with a spinal cord injury can lead victims to suffer mentally. This is usually temporary, but some people might have difficulties overcoming the intense sadness and negative emotions they’re feeling.
Sadness is possible after a spinal cord injury
One of the most difficult things that a person who has a damaged spinal cord will have to do is rebuild their life. This includes having to figure out the direction of their life now that they have new limitations on what they’re able to do. For some, this produces a crushing mental impact that’s hard to cope with.
It might help for you to focus on what you’re able to do if you’re in this position. For some tasks, you’ll have to learn a new way to get them done. Modifications and assistive devices can help with many things. Still, this can be challenging and frustrating. Your friends and family members, as well as your medical care team may be able to help you overcome these emotions.
Persistent sadness might be depression
If you find that you can’t move past the sadness that came over you because of the injury, you may be slipping into a state of depression. As time progresses after the injury, many people will experience a lightening of the sadness. If you don’t experience that or if it becomes more intense, you’ll likely need to seek the assistance of a mental health professional.
Affording the help that you need can be a challenge after a spinal cord injury, especially if you’re unable to work. You do have the option of seeking compensation from the negligent party who caused the wreck that led to your injury. This can help to cover the treatments you need, as well as the loss of income that stemmed from the spinal cord injury.