Many people believe that when a person is injured, whether it’s on the job, out at lunch, or in a car accident, the physical and emotional toll only affects that person. However, the family of the injured person can be just as emotionally affected, and sometimes even more so.
Luckily, there are many ways to cope and support your family when either you or someone else has been injured. Between doctor’s appointments, talking to personal injury lawyers, and perhaps even finding a new job, there are many obstacles to overcome during this tumultuous time. With the following steps, you can help your family to continue moving forward and upward.
Be Respectful
[showmyads]Aside from the physical injury, bruised egos and lowered self-esteem can be the most difficult things for persons to deal with. When they are suffering through an injury, their confidence levels and self-assurance can be just as damaged. Therefore, it’s important for friends and family members to be respectful of their condition. No matter how hard it can be on the family, it is undoubtedly harder on the injured person. By showing them respect, helping them when needed, and building their confidence back up, you can ease them into recovery faster.
Times wherein you must try to exercise respect include when the injured person is trying to make decisions with their own best interest in mind, when they’d prefer some space, and when they are frustrated at their condition. As much as you’d like to help in every way possible, your spouse, father, or whoever might just need to feel like they’re in control again. Giving them the proper respect can help to assure them that they are on that path.
Be Supportive
Support is another important factor in the road to recovery. A personal injury can be alienating; therefore it’s imperative that the family shows their unity and support. No one should have to suffer through an injury of any kind by themselves. Think back to when you were a child and you had a small scratch or had a harmless fall. You ran home to your parents asking them to kiss your “boo boo” and make it better. While there’s no magical medicine in that kiss, it’s simply comforting to know that someone is there for you.
Personal injuries in your adult life will work in the same way. While physical recovery might take time and patience to heal, the warmth and comfort of a family’s support can encourage things along. Show your love, especially, at times of great struggle. Whether it’s during physical therapy, legal proceedings, or just when they’re trying to reach something on the top shelf on their own. Show support constantly and your injured family member will certainly feel comforted when the going gets tough.
Be Complimentary
As previously stated, a bruised ego can be nearly as painful as a personal injury. During times of duress, the best way to boost their ego is to compliment them often. You’ll be building up their spirits and making them feel good about themselves.
Begin by complimenting them on the small things. Congratulate them on making it through their first physical therapy session or on reaching a new goal during a class. Praise them for whatever work they are able to do around the house, how they have been helping the family cope, or any other small details. As you work through the condition together, be sure to offer warm commendation. Raising their confidence can help them to recover quickly and more efficiently.
Work Together
When tragedy strikes, as in the case of a personal injury, it can be hard to think about anything other than the injury. Sometimes people get so consumed by their physical health and forthcoming problems that they can hardly function or concentrate. One of the best ways to get them thinking clearly and refreshing their perspective is to get their minds off of the injury.
As spouses, sons, daughters, parents, or close family members, try setting mutual goals with the injured party. Plan a trip for when they get better, aim to accomplish something while they’re at home resting, or even work on a puzzle together. Setting common goals and working on them together can help your injured family member feel like they’re back to their old ways, and going through their daily routines. Giving them something to work on, focus on, and look forward to, will surely take their minds off their injury so their body can rest and their brain can be productive in other ways. The road to recovery starts with positive thinking; accomplishing goals along the way can help jump-start that positivity.
Personal injury is a somewhat misleading term, as it can affect an entire family. Even though only one person might have a physical injury, everyone involved is dealing with some emotional damage. Help your family cope with a personal injury by working together on mutual goals, being respectful, offering support, and giving plenty of compliments. Nobody has to suffer through such a challenging situation alone. With the support of a loving family, recovery is never too far off.
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Written by Pete Wise for Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, whom are dedicated to serving Nebraska. Check out their site if you’re looking for Lawyers in Nebraska, and if you have the time, check out my facebook page.
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