Imagine suffering a workplace injury that forces you to go through months of physical therapy. When you’re nearing the end of your recovery and are ready to go back to work, a sudden wave of fear and anxiety washes over you. Is it normal to feel scared of reinjury?
The injury recovery process may look different from case to case, but nearly everyone shares one thing in common: They don’t want to suffer the same injury again. Explore some ways that you can overcome the fear of reinjury so you can get back to work worry-free.
Psychological Recovery Is Just as Important as Physical Recovery
Say you sustain a serious back injury while at work, and the pain won’t go away. Under the care of physicians and physical therapists, you spend weeks strengthening your spine and recovering from the injury. Even as you start feeling stronger, healthier, and pain-free, you can’t help but worry that you’ll end up in the same position again.
Not only is it normal to feel scared of reinjury, but many people let the memories of their injury affect their mental health. You may experience extreme anxiety and constantly worry about becoming hurt again. This can ultimately hinder your confidence, your ability to perform daily tasks, and even your relationships with others.
Overcoming anxiety is a vital part of the injury recovery process. Everyone, from injured employees to athletes going through sports rehabilitation therapy, should focus on easing their fears as they recover.
Your Support System Matters During Your Recovery
If you ask an occupational therapist, “Is it normal to feel scared of reinjury?” they’ll tell you that anxiety and fear are extremely common among injured workers. However, some people overcome their fears more easily than others. A large part of this boils down to the people supporting you.
Your healthcare team should be in your corner and willing to help you through any physical or mental challenge. Tell your doctor about any concerns you have during your recovery and be open to any treatment they recommend, such as talk therapy or anxiety medication.
Physical therapists often see patients bottle up their fears during their recovery. While performing strengthening exercises, people may experience flashbacks to their traumatic injury, such as a fall in the workplace. If the injury stems from repetitive motions or overuse, they could worry about it becoming a long-term problem.
Many physical therapists understand these fears and encourage their clients to keep pushing themselves. While helping with your physical recovery, your therapist may also work on your mental resilience.
Tips for Overcoming Injury-Related Anxiety
Is it normal to feel scared of reinjury? Absolutely, but you don’t have to live in a constant state of worry. Check out some helpful tips for easing your fears as you return to work.
Practice Self-Care
A good mental state starts with self-care. Eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep every night, and try to keep your body active. You should also prioritize activities that make you happy and combat anxious feelings, such as:
- Meditation
- Relaxing baths
- Going for a walk
- Listening to music
- Talking with loved ones
Don’t Rush Your Recovery
It can take time to recover from an office injury and feel confident enough to resume working. Rushing the process could put additional pressure on you and harm your mental health. Take your time and work with your healthcare providers to develop a recovery timeline that suits you.
Celebrate Your Progress
Lifting your arm above your head may not seem like a big deal. But for someone who sustains a shoulder injury at work, it can be a huge feat. Keep track of victories like this throughout your recovery.
Celebrating your progress can help you build confidence and maintain a positive attitude. Having this mindset while you recover from a workplace injury is integral to overcoming any fears of becoming reinjured.
WorkSafe Can Help With Your Job-Related Health and Safety Concerns
Not only is it normal to feel scared of reinjury, but it’s a concern that people don’t always vocalize. By acknowledging your fear and building your mental resilience, you can recover from common office injuries both physically and psychologically.
Team up with WorkSafe for superior occupational health services in Wichita and the surrounding areas. We help workers and employers manage injuries, improve ergonomics, and much more. To see if we’re the right partner to aid with your recovery, give us a call at (316) 262-8800.