When you've been seriously injured, it doesn't take long before negativity starts to set in. One day, everything was going just fine. Your body worked exactly the way it was supposed to. The next, you were faced with a long recovery, a body that wouldn't do what you wanted it to, and the potential to never quite be back to the way you used to be. It's enough to bring anyone down. Letting yourself stay depressed, however, doesn't help your ultimate recovery. Instead, try these tips for staying positive.
Give yourself things to look forward to
Create a schedule that's filled with things that you can still enjoy, whether it's eating at a restaurant with a friend or watching a long-anticipated movie. When you're excited about what's coming, it's harder to stay depressed. Consider the different hobbies you can start doing in your new situation and add that to the list as well.
Get the help and care you need
Getting the help you need includes talking with a personal injury lawyer if you were injured through no fault of your own. Medical bills can pile up fast. Make sure that the person or company who is really responsible for your injuries is the one paying. A personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve, say the experts at Pritzker Law. Regardless of who is paying, however, make sure that you get the quality of care you need to ensure continuing physical improvement.
Find a project
Choose something that you care about and invest as much time and energy as you're able. By focusing on something outside yourself, you'll find that you have less energy to devote to depressed thoughts. This is a great way to stay positive and focused, keeping your mind off the pain for a while.
Celebrate small improvements
Baby steps are important. It may feel like you're moving at a snail's speed, but a snail's speed is better than not moving forward at all. Celebrate even the small victories and improvements in your physical condition. When setting goals, think of the big picture, but don't forget about the small steps it takes to get there.
Talk to someone
Whether you're talking to a therapist or to others who have been in your shoes, simply talking out your feelings can make a real difference in how depressed you are overall. Talking through everything you're feeling will also help you to better understand where the negative feelings are coming from so you can move forward and feel better in the future.
Don't isolate yourself
While it can be tempting to pull back from friends and family members following a serious injury, you'll find that you feel better when you surround yourself with the people you love. Allow them to support you and be grateful for time spent with them even if they're having trouble understanding what you're going through.
Healing from a serious injury takes time. Give yourself time to heal, stay engaged and active, and before you know it, you'll have found a positive new normal that will let you love the life you have, even if it's not the one you imagined.
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO and often writes about family, health, home and lifestyle. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family when she isn't writing.