Being injured in an accident disrupts life.
One day you’re going about your normal routine. The next you’re suddenly unable to do the things you loved to do. All of a sudden your life is focused on recovering from your injuries.
But what most people fail to realize is…
Your recovery doesn’t end after you leave the hospital.
Doctors can treat your injuries, but after that it’s up to you to facilitate long-term recovery. The lifestyle changes you choose to make after being injured play a huge role in how quickly you heal.
This article shares the adjustments you can make to set yourself up for successful recovery.
Table of Contents
Why Recovery Takes So Long
The injured don’t always take enough time to recover.
Small injuries could take a couple of weeks to feel normal again. More serious injuries like whiplash or broken bones could take a few months to recover from. Major injuries to the spine or brain could take years.
However…
Your body goes through various stages of recovery, including inflammation, tissue repair, and tissue remodeling. Every stage is important and takes time to finish. Trying to speed up recovery will only lead to chronic pain in the future.
Every year, millions of individuals suffer injuries they seek medical treatment for due to motor vehicle accidents. The National Safety Council reported 5.1 million injuries in 2023 alone.
If you were injured in an accident, make sure you work with an experienced virginia car accident attorney from the start who can help you recover the cost of medical bills and lost wages. When your injuries take much longer to recover than anticipated, you’ll be glad you have those costs covered.
Best Physical Recovery Changes to Make
Many things people believe help don’t actually…
And some of them might even hurt your recovery process.
You’ve probably heard all of this advice before. But how many people take it seriously?
Rest is critical. Your body heals damaged tissue while you sleep at night. Relaxing allows stress hormones to decrease, which can reduce inflammation and promote recovery. Your body needs time to rest after being injured.
Movement is good too. Just not too much. Too much rest can cause your muscles to become stiff and weak. Participating in physical therapy and light movement can help you regain your strength over time.
What you eat is important as well. Consuming foods high in protein helps repair damaged tissue. Anti-inflammatory foods like veggies and fruit can help reduce inflammation. And drinking plenty of water keeps your body hydrated so it can heal properly.
Here are some specific lifestyle changes you can start today:
- Don’t miss your treatment sessions
- Don’t push yourself too hard
- Keep a journal of your recovery
- Communicate with your doctors
These tips may seem simple to you, but you’d be surprised at how many people fail to follow them.
Mental Health Changes To Implement
This is often the missing piece of every recovery plan.
Your mental health plays a massive role in your physical recovery after an accident. Stress causes your body to produce stress hormones which can slow down healing. Not being able to sleep can hinder your recovery. Depression can make you not want to take care of yourself.
Studies estimate that around one in four accident survivors who experience a car accident go on to develop PTSD.
Some common mental health issues faced after being involved in an accident:
- Constant anxiety over driving
- Night terrors and flashbacks
- Lack of ability to focus
- Irritability
- Feelings of vulnerability
What can you do to improve your mental health after an accident?
Talk about how you’re feeling. See a therapist if the symptoms don’t go away. Practice relaxation techniques. Surround yourself with good people.
Your mental health and physical health are deeply connected.
How To Build Your Support System
There’s no I in team.
Recovering from an accident can be difficult, but don’t go at it alone. Your support system can include friends, family members, or medical professionals.
What you don’t want are people in your life who don’t believe you were injured or that you’ll recover from your injuries. That will only stress you out and impair your recovery.
Here are some ways you can build your support system:
- Let your friends and family know you need their support
- Accept favors when people offer them
- Find a support group to connect with others like you
- Distance yourself from negative people
You have to be proactive about building your recovery village.
Signs You Need Additional Professional Help
Lifestyle adjustments can only get you so far.
If you’re still in pain after your body has recovered or you’re feeling down and nothing you do makes you feel better, it might be time to seek professional help.
Here are a few signs you need to reach out for professional help:
- You constantly feel pain
- You’re depressed or anxious
- You can’t return to work
- You’re having trouble sleeping
- Arguments with loved ones
Don’t wait for things to get worse before you reach out.
Not only will it feel better sooner, but the longer you let things go the greater chance you have of developing long-term damage. Pain management specialists, therapists, and lawyers can all help you during your recovery.
And just like with your initial injury, recovering from your injury can take a toll on your bank account. Not being able to work leads to lost wages. Seeing doctors leads to medical bills. By working with a lawyer sooner rather than later, you can ensure these costs are covered so you don’t have to worry about long-term financial strain.
Wrapping Things Up
Life will never be the same for you after being injured in an accident.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t recover properly. By making the lifestyle changes mentioned in this article, you are putting yourself in the best position to recover as much as possible.
Remember…
Recovery takes time and effort. Don’t rush it and don’t be discouraged if you have a bad day. Take recovery one day at a time and celebrate how far you’ve come.
You can get through this!
Feel free to leave a comment below on the recovery changes you’ve made that have helped you the most.
