The ugly truth about life is that accidents happen to good people. If someone in your family has suffered from a life-altering injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, or loss of limb, motor function or senses, their inability to live their life as they had before is an extremely difficult reality to face for both of you. Although you have not physically suffered the injury, your life will be permanently affected by it. Throughout the process of your family member’s physiotherapy and rehabilitation, consider consulting with a social worker if you often find yourself in situations:
You Forget You’re Not a Doctor
Showing your love and support to a family member who has recently suffered a trauma is important. But while they’re dealing with their physical and emotional pain, it’s crucial to remember that you’re not there to tell them what to do to, give them medical advice, or put them on a regimen of your making. If you aren’t a trained doctor or therapist, you shouldn’t be giving medical advice. Your injured family member will benefit more from seeing a real professional about their aches and pains, which will ease the burden of responsibility you feel.
You Forget About Your Life
It’s completely understandable and reasonable to want to take care of someone who is suffering. Parents who forego sleep to take care of their feverish children are perfect examples of what it means to love someone. But if tending to them at all hours of the day means that you’re leaving little time for yourself, there may be a chance that you’ve taken on too much responsibility. If your own life starts to suffer because of the added obligations of tending to someone with an injury, it may be time to prioritize. Taking some time out of your day to focus on your own needs and desires does not make you selfish. Rather, it will help you maintain balance and keep a level head.
You Don’t Know What to Do
Your loved one has suffered a traumatic injury that has likely changed their quality of life; it’s no wonder they are experiencing moments of extreme anger and depression. Your empathy and support throughout these difficult times is needed, although sometimes it doesn’t seem as if it’s appreciated. If you find that you’re constantly hitting a brick wall and that nothing you’re doing seems right, remember that it probably doesn’t have anything to do with you.
How a Social Worker Can Help
Pro Care Physiotherapy & Athletes’ Injury Center has helped many people with the long-term injuries that go deeper than physical ailments. Our Social Worker is trained at providing counselling and support to patients and their families and has become an integral member of many patients’ recovery teams. If you or your injured family member need help dealing with the new circumstances, you’re not alone. Contact Pro Care Physiotherapy today to speak to a social worker.
