Physical injury can take a toll on our bodies, but it can also significantly impact our mental health. In turn, these emotional and psychological effects of an injury can often hinder the recovery process. Read on to learn how this happens and what you can do about it!
Why is mental health so important in injury recovery?
Emotional Well-being: Injuries can lead to feelings of frustration, sadness, and anxiety. These emotions can negatively impact your overall mood and motivation. At Flyspace, we see this emotional impact often, particularly with professional movers. For dancers, actors, and athletes of all types injuries mean loss of work, amplifies the worry.
Pain Perception: Our mental state can influence how we perceive pain. When you are anxious or depressed, you may focus more heavily on unplesant feelings in the body. A positive mindset can help break this cycle and allow you to manage pain more effectively.
Adherence to Treatment: Mental health challenges can make it difficult to stick to treatment plans, such as physical therapy or medication. Never assume that struggling to stay compliant is a personal failure. It is just as possible that you simply need emotional or mental health support as part of your journey.
Sleep Quality: Emotional distress can disrupt sleep patterns, which are crucial for healing and recovery.
Overall Recovery Time: In a nutshell, a positive mental outlook can accelerate the healing process for all of the reasons mentioned above.
Here are some tips to improve your mental health during injury recovery:
Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help reduce stress and anxiety. At Flyspace, we begin many of our physical therapy, strength and conditioning, nervous system regulation, or mental health counseling sessions with two minutes of breath-work.
Stay Connected: Maintain social connections with friends and family. If it is tough to be out and about, call someone or facetime with them. Have that real-time interaction rather than leaving it to social media.
Set Realistic Goals: Break down your recovery goals into smaller, achievable steps. The overall picture can feel overwhelming, but the next most important thing can feel much more achievable.
Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling with significant mental health challenges, consider therapy or counseling in adjunct to your physical therapy/injury recovery. Did you know that therapy can be short-term? Six to eight sessions with a therapist with the goal of learning some stress management can work wonders.
By prioritizing your mental health, you can enhance your overall well-being and expedite your recovery journey. Remember, it's okay to ask for help and seek support when you need it!
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