Have you suffered with depression post Spinal Cord Injury?
Nov 6, 2013 12:05:55 GMT -8
Post by Lαrα on Nov 6, 2013 12:05:55 GMT -8
We are all too aware of the physical function that a Spinal Cord Injury takes away from us and with this physical loss of function comes loss in other areas of our lives. It is therefor not surprising that many individuals with SCI become depressed or have feelings of sadness and resentment.
Depression is found two or three times more often among people who are paralyzed than among the non disabled – it is common but not normal. Becoming discouraged, grief-stricken or sad is normal, but depression is a health problem unto itself (according to the Christopher and Diana Reeves Association)
I can only use my own personal experiences to help relate to this so......
When i became injured i lost.... my relationship...my competitive sport which was my hobby...my business....my friends....dignity....and more......So..i had become physically challenged but i had my mental and emotional wellbeing challenged too.
Thankfully i have a resilient nature which helped me through the difficult times but thats not to say i havent had times when i didnt feel sorry for myself because i have. Especially when i have been sat on my bed with used catheters strewn around the bed and me in tears of frustration because of badder spasms every time i cathed
In all honesty i have never met a more resilient group of people than those with Spinal Cord Injuries who are determined, positive and driven to maintain a quality of life and with a splash of humour thrown in.
I laugh at myself all the time for my physical quirks lol
But sometimes i wonder if we try too hard to be strong and positive...we all must have natural feelings of vulnerability and feel just down right pissed at whats happened...we are only human after all.
The main issue is how we deal with those feelings....we can either sink or swim with them and unfortunately some sink
Depression if it takes a hold is a curse to deal with in itself...waking up with the physical daily challenges is one thing but then to wake up with a daily mental and emotional one is just too much to deal with....Some time ago i put together some information on depression...here is the link for anyone who would like to read it
inspiredsciforum.com/thread/321/staying-mentally-healthy-spinal-injury
Please take a moment of your time to reply to the poll, the results will be interesting and also share any experiences you have.....thankyou
)......because if you dont..you will cry!.....as the saying goes lol.