How to Deal With Depression After a Personal Injury
When most people think about personal injuries, they imagine physical pain. However, there is an emotional side to personal injury. Individuals who suffered injuries may become depressed from the chronic pain and being unable to do the things they did before. Depression can make life miserable and even impede recovery from the injury. If you are feeling depressed about your personal injury, here are some ways to feel better:
Talk to a Psychiatrist
Speaking with a psychiatrist about your depression can do wonders for your psyche. He or she will listen to you without passing judgment and suggest healthy ways to cope with depression. For example, your psychiatrist may suggest writing about your feelings in a journal or surrounding yourself around supportive people.
Ask Your Doctor About Exercises
Just because you are injured, doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t do some light exercises. Physical activity is known for increasing endorphins in your body, which improve your mood. Ask your doctor about exercises you can perform while still injured. For instance, you may still be able to go for short walks or swim.
Minimize Stress in Your Life
Too much stress can increase your pain and make your depression worse. Try to reduce stress in your life as much as possible. For example, if certain people make negative remarks toward you that stress you out, try to distance yourself away from those people. Also, try to do relaxing activities throughout the day to lower your stress levels. In the morning, for instance, you could meditate or do yoga.
Think About All the Good Things In Your Life
When you are dealing with something like a personal injury, it might feel like your world is falling apart. However, you should concentrate on all the positive things in your life right now, like the people who care about you and the job you love. If you take a few minutes out of each day to think about what’s good in your life, you may feel better.
Eat Nutritious Foods
While eating ice cream or other junk foods might seem like a good idea when you’re depressed, they may actually make you feel worse. It’s better to fill your body with healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, chicken, fatty fish and whole grains. The better your body feels, the better your mind will feel.
Get Proper Rest
Too little sleep can make depression even worse. That’s why you should try to get eight hours of sleep every night. It’s helpful to do something relaxing before bedtime, like taking a hot bath or listening to soft music, so that you fall asleep easier.
If your personal injury has led to your depression, you may be able to sue for emotional distress in your lawsuit. An experienced personal injury lawyer Wytheville, VA trusts can help you file a claim in a timely manner and help you gather the necessary evidence to support your case.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for their insight into depression and personal injury.
