A spinal cord injury may take years to adjust to, so it can be difficult to stay optimistic. It can take practice and support from others. Here are some methods to help you keep a positive attitude.
Go Back to School
Even if you're 60 years old when you have your spinal cord injury, consider returning to school.
Whether it's college, technical college, or just classes from your local community center, being involved in some kind of educational setting has a tremendous effect on the mind. Some people will even go on to receive multiple degrees post-injury.
Many experts believe that by improving the mind through learning new things, you're able to improve your mental health and be happier overall.
After a spinal cord injury is sometimes the best time in life to pivot careers. This is your time to pick a field of interest that truly interests you and is one that you're still capable of doing successfully.
Consider speaking to a vocational therapist after your injury. They are experts at helping people find the right field that fits both their abilities and skills.
Big Life Achievements Still Possible
Many people wrongly assume that a good life is over with a SCI and that they will never be able to achieve any of their major life goals, whether it's marriage, having children, running a business, or doing something monumental like being on Broadway, etc.
It can be a great thing for newly injured individuals to see someone with a spinal cord injury doing major "big life" things.
They will hopefully take away that an amazing life is still possible for all, which undoubtedly improves optimism.
Continue Physical Therapy
Experts have long known that exercise improves mood in all human beings, but it is especially important after a spinal cord injury and even more so after you've returned home.
This includes creating a home gym in some cases, where individuals will continue PT in a dedicated space with mats and equipment.
People will also buy sports equipment such as a handcycle to get outside to exercise.
And, even better, some people will raise money so they can continue outpatient therapy at dedicated spinal cord injury therapy gyms throughout the country, such at NextStep Fitness or Neurafit, where the staff is highly motivating and hopeful for recovery in any shape or form in their clients years post-injury.
Get Outside Often
If you ask anyone with a spinal cord injury who says they’re doing good after their injury, they will probably tell you they get outside on a regular basis.
There is something mysteriously healing about being outside, which humans have known for centuries.
Many believe that getting outside at least once a day is essential to their mental health.
And if this is not possible, getting outside a few times a week is a must.
If you cannot get outside as much as you'd like, try to fill your indoor space with plants.
Plants and other greenery can help you stay in a positive head space. And if you live where the climate is warm, make sure to use this to your advantage.
Picking up outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and even bird watching are some of the activities people with SCI will get involved in post-injury to make sure they get outside on a regular basis.
Check Out Adaptive Sports
People often cheer the benefits of adaptive sports to people with spinal cord injuries, but many times this falls on deaf ears if someone is newly injured. They'll simply feel it's not "their thing."
However many report a huge boost to their mood after getting involved in any kind of adaptive sport, and it makes sense.
Moving the body, getting outside, and interacting with others who understand can all be incredibly healing spaces.
Try looking for an adaptive sport that speaks to you and check it out.
There are a plethora of amazing sports and recreational activities that have been adapted.
Staying busy by being involved in an activity you love can be very optimism-inducing.
Join a Peer Support Group
Many find optimism by talking to people who understand, which means people who also live with spinal cord injuries.
Joining a SCI peer support group is one of the best ways to achieve this and there are dozens of peer support groups across the country, with many that meet online so if you live in a rural area you can still join.
You'll often find SCI peer support groups at hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
When visiting with a peer support group, you'll receive high-quality SCI-life advice, which is not always reachable wherever you may be.
Find New Hobbies
Hobbies don't get enough credit for what they give to people’s lives. They can be life passions for many, and cultivating a hobby after a spinal cord injury can be a great way to stay positive.
Whatever you find interesting from art, dog agility training to cooking or video games, finding something you absolutely love post-injury, and more importantly can still partake in, can contribute to your mental health immensely.
Focus on What You Can Still Do
After a spinal cord injury no matter your level of injury, there are always things you can be grateful for, or things that you can still do, that help people stay optimistic. Many people will focus on what they are still able to move and do independently.
This may mean being grateful they still have the ability to use their arms if their legs are paralyzed or for people who are paralyzed in all four limbs, they’ll be grateful they still have their mind and their overall health. Everything is relative, but it helps to be appreciative of what you have.
Be Realistic
For many people after a spinal cord injury, they will learn to cope but be realistic about their new life.
There is no way to sugarcoat the difficulties of living with a spinal cord injury and for many it’s a daily struggle.
It's important to be realistic and to know that daily positivity is not always possible and is not necessary to live a satisfying life. Being realistic for many is their own version of being positive.
