Coping with injury

After having sustained an injury, it is not uncommon to become overwhelmed by a variety of emotions. Knowing that these emotions are normal and are part of the healing process is your first step to full recovery. You need to expect that you will have certain feelings and emotions emerge during your recovery process and you need to know that these stages are normal and are a natural process of coping successfully with your injury. Five stages have been identified that most athletes go through after sustaining a serious injury in which they will be sidelined for some time. 

1. Denial or Disbelief
The first stage is denial or disbelief. In this stage you may refuse to believe that you are injured or hurt and unable to participate in your selected sport. Irrational thinking and believing that your injury is not serious or that you will be back in action sooner than your doctors or athletic trainers are telling you is not uncommon. Many athletes are used to their bodies responding when called upon. It is tough to realize that after sustaining an injury, your body may not be able to respond as it did before. 

2. Anger
Anger often follows denial. When you begin to realize the seriousness of your injury, anger can develop. You may ask yourself questions such as, “What did I do wrong?, or Why am I being punished?” Anger may also be displaced, and you may begin to blame others for your injury. Being angry at your teammates, coaches, medical staff, family and friends is common during this stage. 

3. Bargaining
Bargaining is the third stage, and as the anger subsides, you may become more aware of your injury and have doubts and fears associated with the injury. Bargaining with God, the medical staff or coaches about when you will be able to return to action may be evident. 

4. Depression
As you continue to become more aware about the extent of your injury, depression may set in. During the depression stage, self-pity, crying, and insomnia may occur. For athletes, playing in their selected sport usually provides them with a major source of self-esteem. When you are unable to play and participate, you may become doubtful of your athletic abilities. If your team remains successful even with you on the bench, you may struggle with your value to the team, and your ego may take a major blow. During the depression stage it is not uncommon for injured athletes to isolate or alienate themselves from their teammates and others. 

5. Acceptance
Over time, you will begin to accept your injury. It is at this time that you will feel less dejected and you will begin to realize the importance of physical rehabilitation and you can then begin to focus on a successful return to your selected sport. 

There is a big difference in simply knowing about the 5 stages of coping and actually dealing successfully with these stages. The following are some coping strategies for athletes with injuries.