and no one fully understands your lifestyle better than you. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your physical condition, and have a list of questions ready for your therapists. Set realistic short-term, intermediate, and long-term goals. • Follow the treatment plan. Frequently, rehabilitation therapists will provide you with exercises or “homework” that you can do in the evenings, mornings, or during your free time. The treatment is only as good as the goals and objectives set forth. If you do not follow the treatment plan by practicing or completing exercises, your progress may be slow. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that insurance companies keep an eye on treatment plans and expect to see results. Set a regular schedule for completing exercises and other therapeutic tasks and ask your family to help you with your treatment plan. • Understand your injury. Knowledge is power. Ask a lot of questions of your treating physician and rehabilitative therapists. The more you know about your injuries and physical limitations, the better prepared you can be in the rehabilitation process. Sometimes it helps to speak with other victims and survivors who are coping with the same or similar injuries. • Don’t give up hope. Rehabilitation can be a long, difficult process. Sometimes it can be painful. There will be days when
you feel down or defeated. Keep a journal to reflect on your progress, so when you experience a difficult day or week, you can read about and remember how far you have come. Talk with family or friends about how you are feeling. Some victims and survivors seek the help of professional social workers, counselors, or therapists if feelings of sadness and/or helplessness persist.
Don’t give up hope.
Injured Victims Coping with Injury
There are many things that you can do that will help your mind and body heal. You may have setbacks that frustrate or challenge you, but continue to focus on the things that will help you get better.
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