What to Expect When a Loved One Suffers From Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury is one of the most traumatic experiences anyone can go through. Victims of spinal cord injury are thrust into a new way of life while coping with the injury and coping with being confined to a wheelchair is difficult for both the victim and the family. The pain, paralysis and other life changing side effects will take a toll on everyone.

We understand the trauma and effects of spinal cord injury, which is the reason for this article. We take you through the grieving stages of a victim of spinal cord injury so that you understand your loved one better.

The Five Stages Of Grief After A Spinal Cord Injury

Knowing the five stages of grief that a victim of spinal cord injury may go through will help you understand them better. Also, you can manage your expectations better if you know what they are going through.

Denial Stage

At this stage, the doctor will break the news that they may never walk again. Many people do not want to accept it and will live in denial to avoid confronting the truth. Most people will keep on hoping that they will be able to walk again.

Anger Stage

Once the reality of what happened sets in, the person will constantly be angry. You will notice that they lash out on others or internalize the anger. Most begin to question their beliefs as they wonder how this could have happened to them. Your loved one may lose hope and feel like there is nothing left for them. It is important that you recognize this stage and help the victim embrace what has happened.

Bargaining

At this stage, the victim begins to understand what has happened, but they are not ready to accept it. They are still hopeful that the outcome of that fateful day can be altered. For instance, if the accident was their fault, they will promise that if they are healed, they will be careful going forward. It is important that as a caregiver you do not fuel false hope.

Depression Stage

The depression stage is where your loved one realizes that bargaining will not yield any result. It is one of the longest stages, as people realize that whatever happened is permanent. They spend a lot of time blaming themselves and others and wishing for life before the injury. Feelings of worthlessness will creep in, and thoughts of suicide may pop up. Support from family is very key at this stage. You need to assure your loved one that they are still beautiful, loved and worthy. Show the victim that they are not alone, by visiting them as often as possible.

Acceptance Stage

At this stage the victim has realized that things will not change and have accepted their fate. Most people begin a self-discovery journey as they look for meaning in their injury. They want to see what life holds for them and they begin to adapt to the new way of life.

As a caregiver you need to understand that people are different and they will take a different amount of time at each stage. The best you can do is to love and support your loved one as they adjust to the new life in a wheelchair or a folding mobililty scooter.