IN ONE MOMENT, YOUR LIFE IS COMPLETELY ALTERED: A Catastrophic Injury is very traumatizing. A person goes from having complete independence to having complete dependence. In many cases, a traumatic injury can render someone incapable of feeding and dressing themselves. Even though they survived the accident, they feel that their prior hopes and dreams for the future have died. This can cause a person to want to give up, and become suicidal.
RECOVERY FIRST STARTS IN THE MIND: If a person tells themselves they are “just going through the motions”, then they will be “just going through the motions.” The mind can kill someone quicker than the injury can. Be very careful what you tell yourself. Words are something that you don’t get back. Have words grab the best; not the worst. Play mind games, and become a different thinker. Learn to control the mind. You are your thoughts. Remember that this is not one day’s work; it is every day’s work.
BLOCK ANY NEGATIVITY: This can be quite challenging, because family and friends are very upset, and they may keep focusing on what a person is no longer able to do. Although they mean well, this can jeopardize the mental stability of the person recovering. Family and friends have a tremendous impact on recovery. It is important to be positive for their loved one and block the negativity for them. The person who is recovering is tired of hearing how sorry everyone is; they just want to move on and live. Focus on what they can do; not what they can’t do. Sometimes relationships with family and friends have to end in order to have peace of mind and get to a better place. It hurts to cut ties with them, but there comes a time when it may be necessary, in order to move forward with their journey.
LOOK FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES: Life is about what you make it. It is going to be difficult, but don’t give up. It is the toughest moment that can bring opportunity. Take away every excuse not to do something. Going back to school, trying a new hobby, or accepting an invite to a new event, bring new possibilities to living life to its fullest.
THERE WILL STILL BE DARK MOMENTS: There are moments when it is easy to get discouraged. An event can occur, such as falling down, which can cause frustration. Breathe, and embrace the pain. It is similar to when you give blood: the doctor tells you to count to three before they stick you with the needle. This gives you time to embrace the pain. You breathe, feel the pain, and before you know it, the pain is over.
LIFE WILL CHALLENGE YOU; BUT IT WILL ALSO CHAMPION YOU: When life seems most painful, you have to work twice as hard to remain mentally stable. Respond to the challenge of life. Every day is an opportunity to be better than the day before. See adversity as an opportunity for growth. You can have a champion day, by championing your mind.