Mental Health After SCI

Imagine suddenly not being able to do things you used to, or needing help with almost everything. Spinal cord injury can be really tough on a person's mental health. It is not just the person with SCI that feels this way. The caregivers for them can also have a hard time with their mental health from physical, emotional, and financial work of providing care and support.

When someone has spinal cord injury, it’s good to get mental health support early on by asking their healthcare providers to suggest a psychologist, psychiatrists, or counselors specializing in neurohabilitation and chronic conditions. Peer support groups, whether they meet online or in person, can give a lot of comfort and share what they’re going through and learn from each other’s experiences.

Also, places like the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center, and the United Spinal Association provide mental health information and support networks just for people with SCI and their families. It’s important to remember that it’s normal to go through a tough time emotionally after a spinal cord injury. Asking for help from a professional is not a weakness; it’s a brave and important thing to do to feel better overall.