Dr. Eboni Green
August 10, 2022
When someone you care about is injured, it can feel like the whole world has been turned upside down. You feel helpless and worried about what’s going to happen next. It is not uncommon for caregivers to offer support and encouragement, even when you are unsure of how to help. The key is to understand that everyone experiences injury differently. Many factors must be considered to offer the best possible support. The following are tips for supporting a client, loved one, or friend through an injury without overburdening them or you:
The first thing to remember when supporting a loved one or client with an injury is that everyone has different coping strategies. Therefore, it’s essential to be patient and understanding when dealing with an injury. One useful strategy is to ask your injured loved one, client, or friend what they need from you. You can also ask them what brings comfort when they are feeling discouraged.
Support aids to facilitate recovery from an injury can come in different forms depending on the sustained injury. For example, taping for plantar fasciitis can help a runner get back out without pain and limit damage to the foot. At the same time, a wheelchair and support bars can help someone recovering from a broken leg to move around and regain mobility. Pay attention to where your loved one is struggling and focus on finding the proper support to aid their mobility without hindering their progress.
In some cases, it can be beneficial to have the injured person see a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or another rehab professional to help them figure out what they need to do to get back on track. This might involve the person who is injured consulting with a therapist about a specific goal they have, like return to running, or it might involve a therapist working with a loved one on a practical level, like helping the person who is injured clean their house or get back to work. While it can be helpful for a loved one or client to consult with a therapist about what kind of support they need and what kind of activities they should be doing, the person who is injured must be empowered to decide how to use this support.
Physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and improve your mood. Even if you don’t feel like engaging in certain types of physical activity, engaging in movements like walking or stretching can make you feel better by releasing endorphins that reduce stress and improve your mood. When someone you know is injured, the best thing you can do is encourage them to continue to move and exercise. People who are injured tend to be heavier than usual and less likely to engage in regular activities like daily walking but engaging in simple movements like walking around the block, swimming, or participating in aqua exercises can help the person who is injured feel better and reduce the risk of anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Even though your loved one or client might be experiencing pain, it doesn’t mean they are no longer capable of functioning in every aspect of their lives. You can support your loved one or client by being patient and remaining positive and identifying different ways they may need support during this time.
