A person is injured every second in the United States. Suffering a personal injury can be frightening and emotionally devastating. Beyond the physical pain, personal injury victims often experience severe emotional trauma. Learning healthy ways to cope with the emotional impact can aid the healing process.
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Recognize the Trauma Response
After a serious accident or injury, it’s normal to experience a range of difficult emotions. These may include anger, anxiety, sadness, guilt, grief, irritability, and emotional numbness or dissociation. This is the mind and body’s natural response to traumatic events.
Be aware that the trauma response can persist long after physical recovery. According to research, 39.5 million Americans suffer personal injuries requiring medical treatment every year. The emotional scars from these injuries can last a lifetime if not properly addressed.
Seek Professional Help
Seeking counseling is vital for recovering from emotional trauma. Look for therapists who specialize in treating trauma and PTSD. EMDR, cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and stress inoculation training can all help to process traumatic memories.
For some, joining a support group can also provide relief from feelings of isolation. Connecting with others who have been through similar experiences can assist the healing process.
Practice Self-Care
Making self-care a priority is essential to cope with emotional trauma. Get plenty of rest and stick to a routine. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to reduce stress levels. Engage in relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Set boundaries and take breaks from any triggering situations. Keep stress management tools on hand, like journals, weighted blankets, aromatherapy, and inspirational reading.
Let Go of Guilt
Guilt and shame frequently accompany personal injury trauma. Victims may replay the situation over and over, blaming themselves. In reality, accidents are just that – accidents.
Remind yourself that the injury was not your fault. Be compassionate with yourself. Let go of regrets through journaling, art therapy or speaking with a counselor. Reframe negative thoughts and move forward with self-forgiveness.
Lean on Your Support System
Don’t isolate yourself when coping with emotional trauma. Leaning on your support system provides relief through difficult times. Speak openly to close friends and family about what you’re going through. Let them know how they can best support you.
Joining a community group or volunteering can also help overcome loneliness. Helping others is often therapeutic for trauma victims. Surround yourself with positive people who lift your spirits.
Take Things Slowly
The majority of personal injury cases take 6-12 months to settle, and healing from trauma takes time. Bill Allen, a recognized injury lawyer in Ocala, FL, suggests avoiding putting pressure on yourself to “get over it.” Emotions may come in waves, he added – feeling better one moment only to be triggered again. That’s okay. Give yourself permission to have bad days. Move through the grief process at your own pace.
Start with small, manageable goals each day. Write a gratitude list, take a short walk outside, or read an uplifting book. Little steps forward eventually build emotional resilience. With time and the right support, the difficult feelings do get easier.
Recovering from personal injury trauma requires both physical and emotional healing. Be kind to yourself throughout the process. There are many effective therapies and coping strategies to help overcome traumatic experiences. Don’t hesitate to ask for help – you don’t have to handle this alone. With the right support, the emotional wounds can mend.