More often than not, when a spinal cord injury happens, it affects more than just the person injured. Family members and close friends often find themselves pulled into the aftermath of an injury and must face topics like caregiving and advocacy. Oftentimes, family members of an injured individual must also deal with negative emotions like frustration and resentment.
“Family members often do have resentment or anger toward the loved one who has been hurt, whether it’s rational or not.”
Nancy Rosenberg, Psychology Clinical Specialist and Director, of Peer Mentor Programs at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, also expresses that questions like “How can you do this to us?” and “Do you think you’re the only one who’s suffering, when we’re all suffering?” are common when family members are trying to sort out life following an injury.
In fact, it is not at all uncommon for family members to have a more difficult time understanding and accepting an injury than the person who has been injured. This can be due to the fact that while the patient is most often focused on themselves during the rehabilitation phase immediately following an injury, the family is often left with sorting out all the other pieces, like handling medical bills and planning for an unknown future.
It is important to remember that these negative feelings are normal. And that seeking the advice of professionals or others who have experienced similar issues can be helpful in working through these feelings.
Watch as Nancy discusses the important issue of dealing with resentment and anger.