Burn victims/survivors may be subjected to painful treatments for weeks, months, or even years following a crash. Physical healing takes time, so be patient with the process. Recognize that a burn trauma victim/survivor may not be able to use limbs, digits, etc., and therefore will be dependent upon others or devices to complete tasks. While in the burn unit, the medical team cared for the many needs associated with the burn injury. Upon returning home, both victim/survivor family members must assume responsibility for burn care. Physical impairments and their subsequent treatments can contribute to emotional reactions including sadness, anxiety, and anger. Collectively, these reactions are often referred to as grief.

GRIEF:

Common Grief Reactions

-     Disbelief

-     Sadness, sorrow

-     Fear, vulnerability

-     Anger, rage

-     Guilt

-     Impaired concentration

-     Diminished selfconcern

-     Search for meaning

-     Social withdrawal

-     Sleep or appetite disturbance

-     Decreased motivation

-     Spiritual confusion

Grief is not an event but a process of experiencing the emotional, mental, physical, social, and spiritual effects of a loss. During the initial weeks, months, and perhaps even the first year following discharge from the burn unit, a victim/survivor may be very emotional. You may feel tearful, overly sensitive, and anxious upon returning home. These initial reactions to your injury and to the crash itself are normal. Because of someone's reckless behavior, you must contend with an injury that cost you both function and appearance. Your grief may be compounded by the death of a loved one who was involved in the crash with you.

Family and friends are also profoundly affected by the crash and your injury. They too are victims/survivors and grieve not only for your losses, but for the losses they suffer as a result. As a loved one, you may feel the fear, sadness, and anger associated with grief. You may also be grieving the death of another family member or friend who was involved in the crash.

Grief is a personal experience. A loss to one person may not be considered a loss to another. Adjustment to losses imposed by the crash hinges upon many factors, including: the coping style of the individual; the quality of the victim/survivor's support system; the nature of the trauma; the damage the trauma caused; and the presence of additional stressors. There is no time limit as to how long or short you will grieve. Your grief is your own and it is your right.

A Change of Face: Burn injuries can change or disfigure the body and face. If you have burns on your face and /or exposed parts of your body, you may be using emotional and mental energy to deal with situations the rest of us take for granted. You may feel ashamed, fearful of being devalued or being uncovered, which results in diminished self-esteem. It may be useful for you to discover new ways to present yourself, to prepare for the staring, comments, and questions of others. It may be easier to have a family member or friend go with you the first couple of times you decide to venture out. Accept that it will be difficult at first, but in time will become easier.

Depression: An impaired driving crash can cause multiple physical, psychological, and social losses. A victim/survivor may also suffer secondary losses that stem from those primary losses. While grief reactions such as sadness, anger, and fear are normal, a more serious psychological complication can develop over time. As a result, relationships with family and friends may be in jeopardy.

If grief becomes intense and interferes with functioning, depression and anxiety may be present. Depression that is left untreated can lead to thoughts of suicide or death and if so, it is time to ask for help immediately. Clinical depression and anxiety can be debilitating but are treatable.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:

Today, you may be driving in your car and suddenly have thoughts of the crash or perceive sensations (images, smells) that "bring you back" to the crash. You may wake-up in the middle of the night in a panic due to a nightmare. Moments such as these may come without warning, and over time can cause you to avoid situations that you connect with the crash or these recurrences. You may feel on edge, anxious, always ready to react. Recollections can feel so painful and scary that they disrupt your normal activities and relationships.