How do I adjust to my spinal cord injury? Is depression common after an injury?

Adjustment to paralysis is a process of changing one's thoughts and feelings and is something that takes time. The goal of adjusting is to rebuild one's identity and to find a new balance in relationships. The stages of adjustment can include grieving, taking control, talking about your disability, taking care of yourself, and looking ahead.

Depression is a serious medical disorder that affects your thoughts, feelings, physical health and behaviors as well as other aspects of your life. Depression can cause physical and psychological symptoms. It can worsen pain, make sleep difficult, cause loss of energy, take away your enjoyment of life and make it difficult for you to take good care of your health.

Other symptoms include oversleeping, change in weight, loss of interest or pleasure, and/or negative thoughts. Depression is common in the spinal cord injury population--affecting about 1 in 5 people. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from depression, please speak with your physician. You can also download a free copy of Depression: What You Should Know, A Guide for People with Spinal Cord Injury.

University of Alabama at Birmingham's Adjustment to Spinal Cord Injury

Depression and Spinal Cord Injury

Agency for Health Care Research and QualityOffers information on antidepressants, especially on various side effects.

A Reeve Foundation Fact Sheet on Depression (PDF)

Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine, Clinical Practice GuidelinesThe Guidelines, available at no cost from the Paralyzed Veterans of America, are targeted to professionals. A consumer version is also available: Depression After Spinal Cord Injury, What You Should Know.

National Suicide Prevention LifelineNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

National Library of MedicineDiscussion of depression and treatment options.

The Spinal Cord Injury Information Network: DepressionResources and materials related to depression.

University of Washington/Department of Rehabilitation MedicineOffers a series of pamphlets: Staying Healthy after a Spinal Cord Injury; depression is covered.

Quality of Life Grants DatabaseFind resources within the PRC Quality of Life Grants Database. Search by Zip Code, State or an Entire Category.

Library Books and VideosFind resources within the PRC library catalog.

Check out programs in your area on our one-of-a kind online searchable Quality of Life program database. You can search by location or topic. GO

The information provided in the Paralysis Resource Center was supported by Cooperative Agreement number 1U59DD000838-01 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the Reeve Foundation and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC.