Injury can have a traumatic effect – not just on your physical health, but mental too.

Dealing with illness and injury can be difficult. From the strain put on your body to a host of mental side effects, there are many hurdles to overcome on your journey to recovery. Recovering from injury takes time, and can take longer than you think.

Some injuries may even have permanent consequences, which can exacerbate the challenges of the recovery process further.

Perhaps particularly in the UK, people tend to have the attitude that they should just take things on the chin. However, it is important to recognise that injuries can be traumatic and even life changing. Focused care and attention is required to heal – not only physically but also mentally.

Follow medical advice

First and most importantly, you should also follow medical advice when recovering from an injury. Even if you feel that progress is slow, pushing yourself too far too fast could cause further harm and delay the healing process. Make sure that you are scheduling regular check ups with your GP or hospital and ask questions so that you understand the reasons for rest or prescribed exercises.

Get emotional support

Often when we are suffering physically, we ignore or are unaware of potential mental implications. Particularly if you are dealing with an injury that you were not responsible for or an injury from a traumatic accident, you may find yourself facing challenges with your mental health.

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression, PTSD, and social anxiety, and speak to a medical health professional should you have concerns. Get emotional support where possible, either from talking to a therapist or simply maintaining a strong network of friends and family around you.

Build your mental wellness back up to bring harmony back to your life

Eat a balanced diet

The food we eat can have a dramatic impact on our physical and emotional wellbeing. Not only does food affect the health of our body, but it can heal us, boosting our mood and our immune system.

Too much caffeine, sugar, and processed foods will likely leave you feeling tired and anxious, whereas nourishing meals that balance key nutrients will aid physical repair and help to boost your mood. Protein is particularly important for healing your body, and it is vital that you stay hydrated. You could consider taking a multivitamin each day to ensure that your body has everything it needs.

Phase your return to work

If you are able to return to work following your injury, be sure to take it steady. Just like with your physical healing, you may feel that you are able to do more than you actually can.

Being back in a work environment after time alone at home or in hospital could feel overwhelming.

Speak to your HR team to arrange a phased return to work. This might look like a temporary part-time contract or hybrid working between the office and home. If applicable, you should also request any new equipment or facilities that you may require following your injury.