Most people have burned themselves slightly on the edge of the stove or a hot teapot. But most people do not understand the debilitating pain that comes with serious burn injuries.
Burns often change our appearance through scars or disfigurement in severe cases, but they also leave behind a significant emotional toll on burn victims and their families.
More than skin deep
According to the Burn Model Systems program, some of the most substantial challenges that patients face after a burn injury is the emotional recovery afterward. For example, major burn injuries cause significant changes to a victim’s appearance, causing the victim and their loved one’s major distress.
Most patients experience some forms of anxiety, depression or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after the injury. Oftentimes, people exhibit signs of these, such as:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Distances themselves from friends and family
- Avoids situations that may remind them of the accident
- Does not discuss or think about the injury or how it occurred
- Worries about their future
- Purposefully isolates themselves
- Experiences challenges with relationships or physical intimacy
- Feels less enjoyment from hobbies or previous interests
- Constant concerns with the financial burden the injury have on them and family
Unfortunately, many burn victims experience emotional distress for weeks, months and possibly years after an incident. It makes it critical that victims speak to family or friends about their mental struggles and seek treatment for both physical wounds and emotional recovery.
If you or a loved one is suffering after a significant burn injury, you seek out the right treatments for you – depending on what you want to need. You may also be eligible for personal injury compensation if you burned from a defective product or car wreck.