Management of Expectations and adaptation to change
Coping with the mental/emotional aspects of taking medications post-injury
It is common to have a lot of questions and feelings related to taking medications, especially if medications are new. For example, if the number and type of medications have increased after an injury, previous research has shown that it is common to feel overwhelmed.
Coping with taking medications is an important aspect of overall health and well-being. This video contains several strategies for coping with taking medications post-injury. These strategies are also described below.
Strategies to cope with the emotional aspects of taking medications are included below:
1. Staying Informed
Understand the purpose of each medication you are taking. Ask your healthcare provider questions about their purpose and how it will benefit you.
If you are looking for ways to learn about your medications, we recommend you visit Module 2: Medication-related sources of information. This resource can be downloaded and completed on your computer or mobile device, or it can be printed.
2. Practice self-compassion
Change can be overwhelming, so it is important that you are kind and compassionate with yourself during this difficult time. Ask yourself “If my friend was in this situation, what would I say to them to be supportive?” and then offer yourself the same advice.
- If you are unsure what to say, just tell yourself “It is okay to feel overwhelmed or stressed when navigating this change in my life. I am going to try to do the best I can for now.”
- Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings; it is normal to think and feel things for the first time. Be kind to yourself.
3. Set reasonable expectations
Try to set the expectation that you might feel overwhelmed when adjusting to taking medications post-injury. It is helpful to remember that feeling stressed during life changes is common. It may take time to get used to and be okay with taking medications, this is a common experience.
4. Ask for help from loved ones
Tell loved ones what kind of support you need when coping with the mental and emotional aspects of taking medications post-injury (e.g. to feel less overwhelmed, consider asking for help with creating a medication schedule).
5. Develop a routine
Having a routine can introduce stability in your life which can help manage the mental and emotional aspects of taking medications post-injury. Create medication-taking routines to facilitate a sense of consistency and habits.
6. Challenge your unhelpful thoughts
The way we think can increase levels of anxiety and stress. For example, you may think “I will not be able to cope” and this thought can evoke feelings of anxiety and nervousness. Sometimes these unhelpful thoughts can be strong enough that you believe them to be true.
- Acknowledge and challenge these negative thoughts by remembering that not all thoughts are facts and by asking yourself what you may not be considering
- Follow the steps outlined in this information sheet and ask yourself the following questions:
- What evidence supports my thought?
- What evidence is against my thought?
- What would my friend think about this situation?
- What would I say to my friend?
7. Connect with others who are in a similar situation
It can help to talk to others who have been or are going through the same experience as you. You can join SCI/D Spinal cord injury or dysfunction. support groups or connect with others via an online community.
- See Module 8 for some strategies for connecting with other individuals who have SCI/D Spinal cord injury or dysfunction.
8. Celebrate milestones
Acknowledge and celebrate small milestones in your recovery journey. Recognizing progress can boost your morale and make the process more positive.
References
British Heart Foundation. (2022, November 10). 12 tips for coping with change. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/wellbeing/mental-health/coping-with-change/tips-for-coping-with-change
Cadel L, Everall A, Packer TL, Hitzig SL, Patel T, Lofters AK, Guilcher SJT. Exploring the perspectives of medication self-management An individual’s ability to manage the symptoms, side effects, treatment, and physical and social consequences of taking medications. among persons with spinal cord injury/dysfunction and providers. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy (2020). 16(12):1775-84. doi: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.01.014. PMID: 32057689.
Cadel L, Hitzig SL, Packer TL, Patel T, Lofters AK, Thompson A, Guilcher SJT. Spinal cord injury/dysfunction and medication management: A qualitative study exploring the experiences of community-dwelling adults in Ontario, Canada. Disability and Rehabilitation Process of assessment, treatment and management to help a person who has suffered an illness or injury restore lost skills and improve. (2022). 44(1):24-33. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1756000.
CAMH. (n.d.). Challenging worries and anxious thoughts. https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/camh_covid19_infosheet-challenge_worries-pdf.pdf
James KA, Everall AC, Cadel L, McCarthy LM, Lofters A, Thompson A, Guilcher SJT. Exploring medication self-management An individual’s ability to manage the symptoms, side effects, treatment, and physical and social consequences of taking medications. in community-dwelling adults with chronic medication experience: A concept mapping study. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy (2021). 18(5):2854-2866. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.07.001.
Womack, A. (2024, March 11). A psychologist’s advice on how to Cope With Life Transitions. Manhattan Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. https://www.manhattancbt.com/archives/4288/life-transitions/
Note: Some of the information included above is also based on lived experiences