A significant life change such as a spinal cord injury can turn your world upside down. Among the many challenges - physical, financial, home and career - it is absolutely vital to give time and attention to your mental state. It's easy to try to 'stay strong', but for all involved, this is precisely the time when sharing real feelings with someone you trust is paramount.
SCI and Mental Health:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255 (Press “1” at the prompt if you are a Veteran)
Depression and Spinal Cord Injury
www.msktc.org/lib/docs/Factsheets/SCI_Depression_and_SCI.pdf
Fact sheet from The Spinal Cord Injury Information Network
Depression and Spinal Cord Injury
www.msktc.org/sci/factsheets/depression - help
Fact sheet from Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center, website also has other factsheets and videos on SCI topics.
National Center for PTSD
Website for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder information designed for Veterans, but contains a wealth of information for anyone (non-Veterans as well) with a trauma history who wants to understand more. Links to PTSD information, help for family and friends, types of treatment, and how to get help.
Help Guide
Unbiased, motivating resources and self-help tools for mental, emotional and social health Finding a Mental Health Provider:
Many people will need to contact their insurance provider to locate possible therapists in their area. Below are some other resources that discuss the best ways to locate and interview a provider that will be able to address your specific needs. You may also want to ask if the provider has had experience working with people with disabilities or chronic health conditions.
Find a PTSD Therapist
www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/find_therapist.asp
Good tips for looking for general providers as well, from National Center for PTSD website.
How to Choose a Psychologist
www.apa.org/helpcenter/choose-therapist
From the American Psychological Association website.
www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
Searchable database of therapists operated by Psychology Today, allows you to search by location, insurance type, gender of therapist, language, types of therapy, and areas of expertise.
American Psychological Association
General mental health topics, such as depression, anxiety, pain, anger, trauma, and addictions; found on the website.
Miracle Mile Community Practice
Miracle Mile Community Practice has provided affordable, low cost therapy to individuals, couples, youth, and families since 1998. Whether you are facing an ongoing struggle, or contending with a new challenge, they can help. They offer therapy for a broad range of problems, including; grief and loss, unexpected life events, and trauma.