Returning From Injury
Initial emotions
Becoming injured can evoke a complex array of emotions. The immediate aftermath of an injury often involves shock and disbelief. As the reality sets in feelings of frustration, anger or that of being let down may surface. Grief can be a profound emotion tied to injuries. Sport may be a core part of your identity and through injury you often feel like you lose a part of yourself. This may manifest in sadness, mood swings or withdrawal from social interaction.
Impacts
The phase of ‘what could have been’ has the potential to play on your mind while you reflect on what may be missed opportunities. This may not just be in sport as injuries have the potential to impact your home life and career. Depending on your type of job you have, you may have to spend time away from this which often causes financial worries too. The fear of re-injury sometimes plays a significant role in the road back from an injury.
Good things
It may be a strange way to look at injuries and illnesses but there are many positives that can arise from an experience like this. The time away from your sport can create a renewed appreciation for your sport, which may have simply just become part of your routine. Whilst being committed to your sport other areas of your life have the tendency to pass you by. This forced break from sport can allow you to become fully involved in these other areas of your life.
How can we help
Ultimately, the emotions surrounding sport injuries and illnesses cover a wide spectrum. As recovery begins, hope and determination may emerge by a shift of focus towards new goals and a sense of purpose. However, the journey is not linear and setbacks may occur, leading to renewed frustration, anxiety and doubts. Through first-hand experience we can help navigate your way through these emotions and boost your resilience to this part of your experience as an athlete. We can also help those who may not be able to return to playing sport transform this potentially negative outcome into one that can take you places you may never have considered.
