Anyone who suffers a serious personal injury, car accident or job injury in North Carolina has to do more than mend their physical body. Those injured have to carefully monitor their mental health and watch for symptoms of anxiety, depression and the like.
WebMD focuses on common indications of deteriorating mental health in those who suffered a severe injury. Even if the body heals and recovers after an injury or disability, the mind could remain an open wound without proper treatment.
Recognize the signs
While checking in with themselves physically, those recovering from serious injuries have to touch bases with their mental health, as well. Common indications that something may be amiss include ruminating over the injury, feelings of anxiety or anger, and difficulty focusing. Other signs of shaky mental health include anxiety, worry, sleeping problems, and crying.
Realizing everyone is different
According to the NCAA, injured student athletes have varying responses to injuries, and the same applies to injured non-athletes. The above signs do not have a specific sequence, and it is important to realize that experiencing negative emotions after an injury is normal. It is when the person does not experience relief or experiences a worsening mental state that it may be time to consider therapy.
Besides counseling, a doctor may prescribe an antidepressant or other medication. Meditation and support groups could be a better fit for some. Also recommended is engaging in enjoyable activities and refraining from drug and alcohol use.
Injured and disabled individuals should do everything they can to explore the mental health resources available to them. A balanced focus on healing both mind and body is key to a full recovery.
