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Finding purpose after SCI (Forward - Autumn 2024)
For World Mental Health Day on 10 October, our mental health columnist Ruth F Hunt learned how the right support helped two people find a renewed sense of purpose following their spinal cord injuries (SCI).
In 2017, David, a musician and actor, sustained a T4 incomplete SCI, following a stroke after a major transplant operation. As a result, David had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with anxiety and in particular, panic attacks.
David said medication helped ‘take the edge off’ and counselling has assisted him in viewing life in a different way than he had before:
“My counsellor even said I was a glass half full type of person, when I was completely the opposite before, because I couldn’t see any way out.”
To aid his recovery David had a key goal and that was to return to his passion in life – creating music. That’s because before his injury, David was a DJ for over 34 years, compiling mixes from all sorts of dance music.
Music as therapy
Music has a transformative, therapeutic impact on David: “I can switch-off and just get into the zone and focus on what I’m doing to create something new.” He finds it also helps him manage his mood: “Creating music is a good barometer for me in terms of my mental health, because I can tell after recording the mix that if it comes out really well, and I’m feeling happy with it – then I know my mood overall is good too.” I asked David what advice he could give to others feeling stuck or anxious. He said: “It’s a case of finding something you love doing so you can just focus on it to keep your mind off the negative thoughts.”
Identity Struggles
Like David, Adam had a lot of difficult feelings following his T10 SCI which he sustained last year as a result of spinal gout. He struggled with his identity, wanting to still be seen as himself despite his SCI. The mental health support from his friends and family was key during this turbulent time.
One step at a time
Due to how he sustained his SCI, Adam didn’t want anyone, “sleepwalking into the same problem.” He also felt it was important to show life isn’t over after SCI. To do this, he created a podcast, called ‘One Step at a Time*.’ Adam had two key aims for the podcast: “The first was to be able to talk about a difficult topic and secondly, let people know it’s ok not to be ok and to ask for help.” ‘One Step at a Time’ gives an insightful slice of life from the perspective of a young family adjusting to this ‘new normal’. Episodes look at home adjustments, surgery and wheelchair skills but also the importance of support and relationships.
“It’s a case of finding something you love doing so you can just focus on it to keep your mind off the negative thoughts.”
Teasing-out key events as he and his wife and children negotiate life after a SCI, is something Adam said, “is quite cathartic to do.” I asked Adam if there was anything he does that could help other people with their own mental health. Adam said: “I view my mental health the same as my physical health. If either decline, I’ll pull the ripcord and seek help.”
Mental health support from SIA
If we pull that ‘ripcord’ and ask for mental health support from Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) what can they provide? That’s the question I asked Ian Younghusband, SIA’s counselling and wellbeing manager.
He said: “SIA recognise how difficult it is to come to terms with the effects of SCI and that mental health support offered post discharge within the NHS and the community, generally doesn’t meet the needs of those affected.”
“We provide a specialist counselling service that is free, not only to the injured person, but their family, friends and carers, that is delivered by qualified therapists who are all registered members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
“The service is unique, as all our therapists have lived experience of SCI, giving an understanding that enables our clients to get to the centre of the issues that trouble them.”
There is a lot of demand for these counselling services that SIA are working hard to build and develop. As mentioned in my previous column, SIA’s community support groups are based across the country, giving newly injured people and others opportunities for meaningful connection and to share experiences.
The positive effect this can have on mental health, should not be underestimated. For those waiting to speak to a SIA counsellor, this may offer vital chances to develop knowledge from others who have gone through or are going through similar experiences. Seeking out mental health support helped David and Adam move forward, creating new products – music and podcasts – for the wider world to enjoy.
Signing off for now, Ruth F Hunt (Forward – Mental Health columnist)
This article was featured in the Autumn edition of FORWARD magazine
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