By Guest Blogger Adam Anicich, PolyTrauma/Blast-Related Injury Executive Committee Member for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (as posted at Disability.gov blog)
In my line of work, I’ve heard too many Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Marines share their frustrations about their recovery and their concerns about the difficulties of reentering “normal life” after an injury. “I can’t…,” “It’s too hard…” and “I’ll do it later…” are phrases spoken all too often. These Warriors begin to doubt themselves and become overly critical of their limitations – and forget to focus on their abilities. These feelings are understandable – after all they have been through, who can fault them? I know, because I was one of those Soldiers.
Many people with brain/blast injuries, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other acquired injuries can feel isolated – either from cognitive difficulties, troubles keeping pace with daily life, lack of focus or just not being able to engage in the same lifestyle they used to. Such isolation not only inhibits a person’s recovery, but also takes a toll on their emotional state. It discourages friends and relationships, marginalizes enjoyment and inhibits professional aspirations.
As a result, many people with injuries or disabilities refrain from enjoying life or impacting society with the zeal and passion that they once had. PTSD can crush a person’s spirits, scars can make people feel trapped within themselves and the loss of a limb can make a person feel incomplete. My challenge to all of you out there struggling with a traumatic or acquired injury or disability is to push yourself to do things you used to enjoy before your injury – find ways to overcome physical limitations, engage your mind in intellectual discourse and discover renewed enthusiasm for life. This is your life – take it back!
As a community, we do however, also have a responsibility – as individuals who have sustained injuries; as family members, friends and caretakers; or as the support network of those individuals with disabilities, to encourage positive attitudes and promote best practices for rehabilitative outcomes. There still exists a stigma about mental health problems and readjustment after combat – but these conditions are treatable! The work of therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists is amazing and making a real impact on people’s lives. Let’s help build an environment that is supportive and prepares our injured colleagues for success.
# READ MORE ABOUT FORGING AHEAD – RECOVERY AFTER TRAUMATIC AND ACQUIRED INJURIES
http://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2013/02/19/forging-ahead-recovery-after-traumatic-and-acquired-injuries/#more-5505
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