The Impact Of Paralysis

The period of time following a spinal cord injury that results in paralysis can be a very traumatic and confusing time. While counselors will play a part in helping the survivor reach acceptance, it’s important that the survivor and family work together to ensure the future health and quality of life for the survivor.



Learning that you are paralyzed is devastating and overwhelming news. The best way to combat your feelings of helplessness and confusion is to arm yourself with information on what a spinal cord injury is, and what it means in terms of short-term planning and long-range goals.





Coping With Being  Paralyzed

During the acute phase, the survivor should:


Ask questions about what has happened or what is happening. Accumulate as much knowledge as possible regarding his or her situation.

Do the task he or she can do independently, and accept help for those he or she can’t do.

Gather financial, insurance, and employment paperwork.



Once the survivor has moved out of the acute phase and is in rehabilitation, he or she should:


Focus on getting back to an independent life in terms of everyday life, work, and social situations.

Be committed to therapy.

Stay positive and avoid sentences that begin with the words “I can’t.�?

Celebrate all achievements.

Be patient with the rehab process, and realize that the injury will dictate how fast it goes

Attempt simple tasks before complicated tasks

Set long-range goals, and think about the future and all its possibilities



Coping Skills for the Family

The family has a similar set of tasks. During the acute phase, the family should:


Gather as much knowledge as possible regarding the survivor’s care.

Take care of the details such as visiting schedules.

Secure benefits and gather financial, insurance, and employment information.



Once the survivor has moved out of the acute phase and is in rehabilitation, the family should:


Do homework regarding equipment and support services

Be supportive, especially when the survivor is feeling angry or depressed

Take part in therapy sessions

Celebrate any achievements with the survivor

Be patient with the rehab process, remembering that the injury will determine how fast progress is made

Remind the survivor that simple tasks should be mastered before complicated tasks

Help the survivor look forward to the future by discussing long-term plans



However, depression can be common for individuals living with paralysis and there is of course an adjustment period as you navigate your new normal. The most important point to remember is that you are not alone. There are nearly six million Americans living with some form of paralysis and many resources to help guide you from the moment you are injured.



Adjustment to paralysis is a process of changing one's thoughts and feelings and is something that takes time. The goal of adjusting is to rebuild one's identity and to find a new balance in relationships. The stages of adjustment can include grieving, taking control, talking about your disability, taking care of yourself, and looking ahead.



Depression, however, is a serious medical disorder that affects your thoughts, feelings, physical health and behaviors as well as other aspects of your life. Depression can cause physical and psychological symptoms. It can worsen pain, make sleep difficult, cause loss of energy, take away your enjoyment of life and make it difficult for you to take good care of your health.



Other symptoms include oversleeping, change in weight, loss of interest or pleasure, and/or negative thoughts. Depression is common in the spinal cord injury population -- affecting about 1 in 5 people. There are treatments available to ease the symptoms of depression using psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy (antidepressants), or a combination of both.


If you are concerned that you may be suffering from depression, please speak with your physician immediately.

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