Recovering from a personal injury is about much more than simply getting back to normal — or getting accustomed to a new normal. An inability to work, limited mobility, and changes in routine may contribute to social isolation that’s as hard to overcome as the injury itself.
One source notes that 62 million people — working out to approximately one in five in the U.S. — sought medical attention for injuries in 2023. While it’s a stretch to say that everyone dealing with personal injuries experiences social isolation, there’s no doubt that some of them do.
It may be that friends don’t know how to reach out or that injured parties aren’t able to get around the way they were accustomed to doing before the injury. While social isolation may be common while recovering from a personal injury, it doesn’t have to define the recovery process.
Consider these recommendations to combat social isolation if you’re recovering from a personal injury.
1. Remain Purposefully Engaged with Friends and Family
It’s easy to withdraw from social engagement when you’re hurt, especially if you do not feel like yourself and fear being a burden to others. The trouble is, when you withdraw, your feelings of loneliness may worsen.
Regular calls, video chats, or even text messages can go a long way in keeping in touch when a visit is not possible. Let others know what’s happening in your life and communicate your real needs if you need conversation, company, or just a distraction.
That can lift your morale if, for instance, you’re recovering after a car accident that leaves you as banged up as the vehicle you were driving, says Nashvilletnlaw.com. You can stay connected even when on the sidelines. It can make the recovery process easier when you don’t feel you’re going it alone.
2. Establish a Daily Routine to Normalize Your Life
Recovering from injury can shatter the routines of everyday life by removing, even if only temporarily, the things that give life meaning. Without a routine, you might struggle to stay the course, and this might compound feelings of isolation or frustration.
Your daily routine doesn’t have to be strenuous. Simple routines such as getting dressed in the morning, having regular meals, performing exercises, and taking time to rest can help structure your day. Adding elements of socialization, whether calling a friend or having coffee or lunch with a neighbor, can help keep isolation at bay.
3. Virtual Communities and Online Engagement
When you have physical limitations that make it impossible to leave home, online communities can be a very valuable resource for staying connected. Virtual communities enable you to engage with people who have similar interests or experiences to yours, with little physical effort.
For instance, online forums or groups based on hobbies or book clubs may be a place to connect with others. While this can help, it’s essential to be aware of the amount of time spent online. Online engagement can be a lifesaver during the recovery process when social engagement is limited — but you don’t want to spend every waking hour online.
4. Emphasis on Activities that Promote Mental and Emotional Health
Social isolation can cause sadness, irritability, and anxiety. Activities that promote mental wellness can help alleviate such emotions and give a sense of fulfillment.
Activities such as reading, keeping a journal, listening to podcasts, or learning a new skill can help keep your mind active. In addition, these types of activities not only help pass the time but also promote personal growth during the recovery process.
5. Ask for Professional and Community Support When Needed
In some cases, isolation during recovery may become too much to handle. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. In fact, asking for help is a sign of taking the healing process seriously. Many professionals offer their services via virtual sessions, making it more convenient to access when recovering. Some community resources and groups may also offer assistance, such as support groups, transportation services, or wellness activities.
Personal injury recovery can be a lonely process, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Social isolation may creep in unnoticed, making it difficult to recognize a problem until it influences mental well-being. Recovery is about preserving and maintaining the things that truly matter: the connections with people you love. With the right tools and strategies, you can get through the healing process in one piece and keep social isolation at bay.
