Client: Is What I am Feeling “Natural”?

Resiliency is the capacity to positively cope with stress or adversity. This mechanism is inherent in our make up much like flight or fight. An individual who has suffered a traumatic accident will face a recovery with many stressful situations. Almost any emotion the individual experiences is natural. Symptoms are a normal part of recovery[1]. An individual will experience physical, cognitive, behavioral/emotional and social symptoms over the course of recovery.

The first feelings after a traumatic accident are those of survival. An individual will likely feel as if he or she is numb and have a sense of being out of control. During the first phase of treatment or emergency care, feelings of uncertainty are very common. Family begins to arrive asking questions and expressing worry and concern. There will be many unanswered questions at the beginning because many symptoms manifest days or weeks after the injury. There will be a sense of “I survived, now what?”

Behavioral and emotional symptoms after an accident play an important role in how the injured individual feels. A traumatic injury can cause many confusing and inconsistent behavior and emotional problems. An individual may feel fine one minute and very angry the next. This feeling of changes in mood is very common as the brain begins to adjust to the damage that has been caused by the injury. Many individuals feel worried and anxious about their futures. Depression and a search for a meaning to live is also very common resulting from the dramatic life changes. In addition, a period of grieving for what used to be, is a process some individuals go through.

As the months pass and treatment continues, an individual should begin to see the positive gains and triumphs of his or her efforts towards recovery. This is not without frustration and setbacks because with any journey there are challenges. During this time of transition from acute care to reintegrating back into the community, an individual may feel a sense of insecurity. How will everyone treat me? Will they accept me? Social symptoms begin to emerge such as feelings of isolation, rejection, shame or guilt. Social acceptance is closely tied to self-esteem and self-identity.

A feeling of “normal” is now a matter of opinion. The family and friends’ view of normal and an individual’s feelings of normal will differ after the injury. It is important to take the time to explore what life and happiness can be like after injury, no matter how different than life was before. Life before the accident was littered with stressful daily life situations as will life after injury.

NeuLife, in Mount Dora, Florida, is a fully accessible residential post-acute program providing superior care and specialized rehabilitation to individuals diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic amputations and other catastrophic injuries. NeuLife has excellent neurobehavioral and related services to help an individual cope with the feelings associated with living through a traumatic accident.

2725 Robie Avenue
Mount Dora, Florida 32757