Going through something as traumatic as a spinal cord injury can leave many in complete shock. For many, it can take time to figure out how to be happy again. As a result, it is common for most to miss their old lives right away. While this is an obvious thought-process for many who become paralyzed, it does not help when trying to heal.
Healing, and learning how to move on, is incredibly important after any kind of spinal cord injury or spinal contusion. Anything that inhibits this should always be avoided. Mental health is as important after a spinal cord injury as the physical side. Unfortunately, it doesn't always get the attention it deserves. Many rehabilitation facilities don't push it as much as other facilities, leaving some with paralysis unequipped as the years go on and depression sets in.
Knowing how to manage your mental health after becoming paralyzed does not come naturally.
Most people need help. Depression is extremely common after becoming paralyzed. Heightened anxiety also occurs to many after becoming injured as well. Mental health disorders were recently discovered to be more common in people with paralysis than the general population. The loss and frustration that comes with paralysis can take its toll.
The better solution, instead of missing your old life, is to choose to be grateful. This could work for many and change the mind-set of how they look at the world. Being grateful is very much being in the present moment and not focusing your energy on the past and on things you cannot change. There is one fact that we all know - going back in time is not possible. When faced with an impossibility, it is always best to choose to move forward in life to survive.
For many, it can go as far as avoiding things they enjoyed pre-injury. If they were a dancer before their injury, for example, some may avoid the ballet so they don’t miss what they already miss even more. It is best to know your limitations and assess what you can mentally handle when you become paralyzed. It's important to know however are that it is common to miss your old life when dealing with a traumatic change in your physical body.
This is normal and expected.
What you need to do is try to figure out how to not let any feelings you have bring you into the darkness. There is a fine balancing act when it comes to missing vs. reminiscing your “old life,” which you shouldn't even call it as such. Instead, try to call it your “walking days” or something to that effect. Calling it a previous life altogether may make it seem as if it were better at some conscious or unconscious level. You will want to closely pay attention to your mental health after a spinal cord injury and to ensure you’re not slipping into a depression.
Signs of depression vary but these are the signs to look for: An overall feeling of disinterest in life, being unable to sleep or sleeping too much, suicidal thoughts, increased feelings of anxiety and irritability, lack of appetite and weight loss, or weight increase and difficulty controlling your emotions.
Thinking too much about how easy things were before your injury, how people treated you better, or how life was “better” overall, will do nothing but incite rage. It is important to know that many, over time, do begin to look at their previous able-bodied old days and smile and not be filled with remorse.
