How to Redefine Self-Image and Identity After a Serious Injury

Suffering a serious injury can not only mean making adjustments to our physical lives, it can also change how we see ourselves. In this article, we’re sharing advice on how to redefine self-image and identity after a serious injury.

Every day, solicitors in the UK receive serious injury claims from people whose lives have been turned upside down in an instant after an accident, assault or medical incident. 

A serious injury can have life changing consequences both physically and in terms of the way we see ourselves. In this article, we’re sharing tips on how to redefine self-image and identity after a serious injury.

How Does a Serious injury Affect Our Self Image?

As adults we have a sense of identity and self-image which makes up who we are and how we see ourselves which a serious injury can shatter in the blink of an eye. 

For example, an individual who has enjoyed an athletic lifestyle may struggle to perform simple tasks or a person who takes great pride in their appearance may suffer an injury which leaves them scarred or disfigured. 

When a person suffers this type of injury it can leave them feeling unsure of themselves and may even result in mental health issues. 

 

Know Your Rights

If your injury has been caused by a third party, for example medical negligence or an accident caused by faulty equipment in the gym, you may be entitled to claim financial compensation. 

While this won’t, of course, undo the physical and mental damage caused by the injury, it can help you to pay for the equipment and tools that will make day to day living easier for you as you adjust to your new circumstances. 

Following your injury, it’s important to get in touch with a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible as he or she will be able to advise you on the likelihood of a favourable outcome and guide you through the process which can, at times, be quite complex. 

After a serious injury you may also be entitled to government help such as access to disabled parking spaces and so it’s always worth doing your research to ensure that you are benefiting from everything that is available to you as you navigate life after injury. 

 

Seek Professional Help

If you’re struggling to reconnect with yourself following a serious injury, seeking the help of a professional can set you back on the right path. A therapist or trauma counsellor will be able to help you to sort through the complex set of emotions that you will be feeling and to help you to navigate your way through the adjustments needed for your new normal. 

Compensation from any injury claims should be able to help you fund this type of help, else there is always the NHS services available. 

 

Make Connections

When adjusting to life after a serious injury, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. At this time, it can be really easy to believe that nobody understands what you’re going through but this is very much not the case. 

Head online to find support groups which can connect you with people who have had similar experiences such as Major Trauma Group. 

 

Find New Activities to Enjoy

Following a serious injury, it’s natural to mourn the loss of your old life and everything that went with it such as a sporting activity that is no longer possible. While this feeling of loss is certainly not to be dismissed, it’s important to try to find new activities which, in time, will offer the same kind of satisfaction. 

Finding something new to focus on can help to rebuild our sense of identity and to reclaim our lives following a serious injury. 

 

Consider Cosmetic Solutions for Scarring

When a serious injury leaves visible scars or disfigurement it can shatter our sense of self-image and leave our self-confidence at rock bottom. To begin with, speak with your doctor about any cosmetic treatments which may be available to you to see if anything can be done to ease any forms of disfigurement. 

Your doctor may also be able to put you in touch with a specialist who will be able to show you how to minimise the appearance of scars with certain procedures. If the visible aspects of your injury cannot be disguised, you might consider embracing them instead.

For example, following a mastectomy, many breast cancer sufferers choose to tattoo the area where their breast once was in the spirit of celebrating life rather than mourning what they have lost. Therapy will also be able to help you to adjust your mindset and look toward the future with positivity as you get to know yourself again. 

 

Redefining self-image after a serious injury…

Self-care and calling on the support of others is vital following a serious injury. Often, we tend to feel like we should ‘pull ourselves together and get on with it’ and, while life does go on, it’s important to allow yourself time to grieve for your old life and adjust to your new one. 

 

Finding new interests and seeking help from trauma specialists can play a major part in helping you to redefine parts of your identity while retaining your core self for a positive and productive future.