Every year over 2 million Americans are hospitalized due to injury. When an injury is serious or has repercussions that are longer-term, then recovery can be a long road. While you are getting better, many people struggle with their identity. A study of 29 adults that were recovering from brain injury all said that they felt that their identity change led to a loss of self-esteem and sadness. So what can you do to adjust to the changes after injury, improve your own happiness, and move forward with your life?
Deal with the Practicalities
Part of moving forward and regaining your identity is dealing with the practicalities of life. You should sit down as soon as you can and work out your financial situation so that you can concentrate on your mental and physical recovery. Seizing this responsibility will help you to feel more in control too. A personal injury lawyer group of industry professionals recommends getting help with dealing with insurance companies, to establish if you are entitled to compensation or any benefits after an injury. This can be valuable in helping you to get back on your feet.
Talk About Grieving
Grieving your old self after an injury is normal, however, you cannot allow this period of grieving to continue for long, or it may lead to self-neglect. You do not want to become isolated from your friends, loved ones, and your community. You may find it helpful to talk to a medical professional or a therapist about your feelings of mourning – it will help you to move forward, and acknowledge that life has changed.
Accept That You Are a Different Person
Ultimate Fighting Champion, Conor McGregor said that “An injury is not just a process of recovery, it is a process of discovery.” The experiences that we have in our life shape who we are. If you are recovering from an injury, it is important to understand that you will not go back to the way that you were before. There is a new dimension to your personality now. Being injured may not have been a positive experience in your life, however, you are have moved on and got through this. You are resilient. The person that you were before had another level now, one that makes you wiser.
There is no way to rewind the past and go back to the way that you are. However you are a more experienced person now, and you can use this knowledge to move forward with your life and discover your new self.