Accidents happen – this has been a mantra for hundreds of years, and true for thousands more. The only difference today is that when a serious accident injures you, you can no longer expect it to be a death sentence. Advancements in both healthcare and aftercare have come a long way, meaning that even if you cannot get back entirely to your old self, you can absolutely move on with your life. Learning to live again after a serious accident will require patience and acceptance, and for you to follow this guide:
Find Ways to Regain Your Independence
The last thing that you want to do while you are recovering is to frustrate yourself. Frustration can lead to poor choices and even the chance of hurting or straining your body. Rather than let yourself get angry about what you cannot do anymore, find tools to help you get your life back on track. If any of these great adult sippy cup options can help you stay hydrated without worry of spills or dropped glasses, then get them. If you need specialty utensils to help you eat, get them. Using tools is what humankind has done for millennia, and just because the tools you need while you recover and even afterward are different, does not mean they are shameful. Listen to your body, because that is the only one whose opinion counts.
Give Your Body Time to Heal
Being in pain is one thing, being restricted in how you live due to your injuries is another, but that is no excuse when it comes to your healing. You need to be patient. Don’t try to push yourself too soon and give your body the time it needs to heal properly. The only time you should “push yourself” is when you are under the guidance of a physical therapist.
Commit to Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help you fix your body’s movement, or even get used to new realities such as a prosthetic leg. When you have been injured in a bad accident, it should be seen as non-negotiable. Yes, it can hurt, but so long as you are pushing your body in the right way, with professional help, you will get better. Just remember to be honest with your pain, so that your therapist can work with your rate of healing.
Join a Support Group if Needed
If you have a life-changing injury, then go to a support group. We, humans, are incredibly social creatures, and we thrive when we feel a genuine connection and bond with others. When your loved ones cannot understand what you are going through, it is time to find others who do. Not only can you find comrades, but you can also learn key insight and useful tips and tricks to make living with your injury easier.
Everyone recovers differently, so instead of focusing on where your healing should be, focus on where it is. Your body is unique and so too should your recovery process. Take it one step at a time, because at the end of your journey you will have your life back.
