We have become so used to doing things on our own that asking for help seems to many a sign of being weak. It’s not. That should be clear to anyone who’s undergoing mental health problems. All over the world, mental health problems are on the rise because of a variety of factors.
But surprisingly, many of these cases are connected to physical injuries caused by accidents or illnesses. People are having a hard time accepting that they may not be as physically able as before an accident or illness. That’s wreaking havoc on their mentality and their abilities to overcome depression, anxiety, and even substance abuse.
Student-athletes, in particular, are susceptible to these mental health problems. Imagine, their dreams were cut short because of physical injuries. If their trusted physiotherapy clinic wasn’t able to help them go back to their former strength, many student-athletes sink to depression, a study said. Many student-athletes can come back to pre-injury levels of activity. Still, many also suffer serious and debilitating injuries. Their careers have to be cut short.
Impact of Physical Injuries on One’s Mental Health
This is when medical practitioners have to be extra cautious about the impact of the injuries on the athletes. Not only do they have to help these athletes become mobile and functional again, but they also have to attend counseling sessions to help them overcome the mental health problems often associated with not being able to have your former abilities back. Although many people will try to shrug off these feelings as nothing but a phase, study after study showed how this could have a lasting effect on a person’s mind.
And this is not only prevalent in student-athletes. Many workers who were engaged in manual labor and had accidents on the job also sink to anxiety and depression when they can no longer work like before. This is especially jarring to people who had to take care of their families but lost the abilities to do so. Imagine having all those bills piling on the counter and not having the ability to help your family with them.
People who suffer from serious physical injuries feel useless. They experience self-doubt and self-pity. These feelings lead to anger, depression, and a general disinterest in life.
Seeking Treatment
The first step to addressing these problems is to seek treatment. After a serious accident, people shouldn’t only be focused on managing the injuries and nursing their bodies back to health. Their minds are even more important because it’s inevitable that they will suffer from restlessness and worthlessness. These feelings are ever-present in anyone who lost the ability to function. It lingers even after a series of treatments and counseling.
Your ability to survive such emotions will depend on the support you get from your family, friends, colleagues, and superiors. These feelings must be validated and addressed. They should not be ignored. Be conscious of how you’re feeling — angry, sad, irritated, disengaged, unmotivated, and frustrated. If you know someone who’s suffering from these symptoms, offer to listen and seek professional help.
