Commemorating Mental Health Awareness Month When Injuries Go Deeper Than Physical Wounds
Whether you’ve been involved in a car collision, slip and fall, or workplace accident, recovery likely hasn’t been easy. You may have had a hospital stay, surgery, physical therapy, outpatient treatments, or a period of rest while you healed. But what about your emotional recovery? Mental health is just as important as the physical healing process to an injury victim’s well-being. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while much has changed in recent years, many people still resist seeking or discussing the care they need. That’s a particular problem for people who have been injured. As many as 1 in 3 people suffer from depression after a serious injury, and almost 1 in 4 develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The numbers are worse among those who have suffered a spinal cord or traumatic brain injury. Mental health issues following an injury can have many causes. Long periods in the hospital or recovering in bed can lead to social isolation, a risk factor for depression. Similarly, persistent pain can
take a mental toll, finances can cause anxiety, and the trauma of the original injury can lead to PTSD. If the injury is long term or results in a permanent disability, the sufferer may also struggle to create a new sense of self that doesn’t involve their old work or activities. After an injury, set clear goals, try to remain optimistic, and rely on your support system. It’s important to avoid dwelling on the things you can’t change. Acknowledging and accepting your emotions is also critical — berating yourself for struggling is counterproductive. Many injury victims experience a period of grief, and you will need to work through it like any other loss.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking you can handle every mental health setback on your own. If you are having trouble concentrating, experiencing persistent sad or anxious thoughts, feeling rage or fear, or reliving the accident in your mind, visit your doctor and tell them what’s going on. They will listen to your symptoms and create a plan to help. Like every other part of recovery, overcoming a mental health issue won’t be easy — but it’s entirely possible with proper support and care.
PUZZLE
One-Pan Baked Salmon and Veggies Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
It’s asparagus season! Celebrate with this easy one-pan salmon dish for two. Ingredients
• 1 lb spring potatoes, halved • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided) • 8 asparagus spears, trimmed and halved
• 2 handfuls cherry tomatoes • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 5-oz salmon fillets • 1 handful fresh basil
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. 2. In an oven-proof dish, combine the potatoes and 1 tbsp olive oil. Roast for 20 minutes. 3. Remove the dish from the oven and add the asparagus. Toss, and bake for 15 more minutes. 4. Remove the dish from the oven and add the cherry tomatoes. Toss. Drizzle with balsamic, then nestle the salmon fillets into the vegetables. Drizzle with the remaining oil, and bake for 10–15 minutes. 5. Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with basil leaves, and serve!
The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
| 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator