For any parent, finding yourself in the situation of having a child facing a spinal cord injury is undoubtedly one of the most devastating and emotional rollercoasters you can face. The natural response to seeing your child suffer is to fix the pain as quickly as possible and return to your former family life. However, following damage to the spinal cord, things may not be that easy.
This article will explore resources and guidance available to you; coping strategies and support forums, as well as websites that may help you through this tough period of time.
What To Do First
You will probably be experiencing a range of emotions- it is paramount you remember these are normal responses to the situation. Parents Helping Parents describes four emotional responses they hear from parents of injured children:
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Sadness and grief – unsure if you can handle the challenges ahead, having to completely readjust hopes you had for your child's future;
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Anger – this is simply unfair, we do not deserve this situation;
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Relief – you finally have a diagnosis and you can help your child move forward in recovery;
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Worry – are we capable of managing this situation.
An essential part of coping with any grief is moving toward a point of acceptance. For some people, coming to terms with this type of situation can be a painfully long experience. However, there are resources to help you respond positively.
You should spend time understanding and researching your child's injury. Having a strong grasp of this means you will be able to better communicate with medical professionals and have an idea of what the future may hold; allowing you to look forward to options of care as your child enters the recovery process.
If you have other children, you may also be concerned about how they are coping, but be assured that support and coping strategies are available to help the whole family, as will be discussed below.
Support During Recovery
A situation like this can be torturous at the best of times and, as a parent, you will undoubtedly require emotional support from others; perhaps most of all from those with similar experiences. There are many online forums and websites that offer support for the child suffering from spinal cord damage, as well as for the rest of the family.
Below is a list of resources you may find helpful in your times of need:
- www.php.com
- www.christopherreeve.org
- www.spinalcord.org/spinal-network/support-groups
- www.siblingsupport.org
- https://www.aftertheinjury.org/what-expect-after-injury
- http://www.backuptrust.org.uk/needsfamilies
What Does the Future Look Like?
The future is probably quite a scary place, but there are things you can look into as your child begins recovery. Depending upon the injury and your situation, there is an array of medical options - rehabilitation centres and procedures etc- which are important choices you will need to make for your child. Learning about your child's spinal cord injury will benefit you by expanding your knowledge of surrounding situations, including those of medical, financial, or legal basis.
If your child has suffered a spinal cord injury and you need help planning your next move, click the button below. A recovery coach will call you and walk you through the free resources that are available to you.
