Women’s Mental Health After Paralysis Booklet Overview - Reeve Foundation

The topic of mental health has never been as prevalent as it is today. What was an issue that many believed to be associated with troubled individuals, or something that was kept beneath the surface only to be discussed with your therapist, is now a focus in schools and workplaces as well as highlighted across media and entertainment channels.

Since one’s physical and mental health are closely linked, individuals who have experienced a life-changing injury are more prone to vulnerabilities with their mental health. While there are many resources available to help understand and manage your thoughts and feelings, learning how to navigate the issues you experience as a woman with paralysis or a spinal cord injury (SCI) has not been covered very often.

To help women living with paralysis address potential mental or emotional challenges following an injury, the Paralysis Resource Center has released an informational booklet on women’s mental health after paralysis. The booklet serves as a guide by offering insight on the importance of having good mental health and how it impacts one’s emotional and physical state as well as resources to help women living with paralysis along in their journey.

The booklet covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Adjustment to a spinal cord injury or the onset of paralysis
• Identifying and managing stress
• Developing a support system
• Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder
• Body image
• Self-esteem

Positive mental health is essential for all women, and even more so for those living with paralysis. With the tools provided to discover personal acceptance, a strong support system, and an empowering sense of self, women can strive to lead a fulfilling and optimistic life with no limits on what they can achieve.

To get a copy of our Women’s Mental Health After Paralysis booklet, call our Information Specialist team at 800-539-7309 or go to ChristopherReeve.org/ask.