Survivors of severe burn injuries often suffer significant psychological distress as a result of their wounds. While some major injuries from a car wreck will heal and the scars will fade over time, those who suffer third-degree burns over large percentages of their bodily areas are usually left with unsightly scarring and other negative consequences.
The psychological after-effects from burns can become permanent reminders of what was likely the worst day of the survivors’ lives.
Coping tools for the psychological distress from burns
While you may feel like hiding away from the rest of the world in a home without mirrors, it is generally better to try to remain a part of your pre-accident world. Here are some suggestions from the burn professionals at the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC):
- Don’t cut yourself off from support systems of professionals.
- Understand that acceptance of your “new normal” will take time. Don’t be harsh with yourself during the long process.
- Stay as physically active as your doctor recommends, as this can aid your healing.
- Eat healthful foods, hydrate and get adequate sleep.
- Seek out mental health counseling to help you move forward.
- Remain positive by focusing on the positive things in your life.
- Allow yourself to mourn what was lost to the fire.
These are just a few of the suggestions you may want to keep in mind as you move on from your serious burn injuries. Learning more about Indiana laws that govern the compensation accident victims can seek from the liable parties can be empowering as well.