Is it just me or did North Harford get hit by a bus?

With the number of crutch-ed and cast-ed students I have seen in the hallways recently, I would say that it’s a pretty probable explanation.

Even trying to get into the athletic trainer’s office at the end of the day is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, impossible.

Injuries can be tricky to deal with. Not only is the physical pain close to unbearable, the emotional struggle can be just as difficult.

And for all those struggling with any type of crip-flict, knowing what stage you are in your injury could motivate you to “keep on keepin’ on.”

So here we go, the 5 emotional stages of an injury.

Stage 1: Denial

“Oh it’s nothing, I’m not hurt! In fact, I think I will be alright to go bungee jumping today! Right?” Wrong. You think you are alright, but denying the obvious will cause far greater trauma to you. Also, I’ve never been bungee jumping, but that paired with a broken leg or fractured clavicle would not make for a happy ending.

Stage 2: Anger

“It’s not fair! This shouldn’t be happening to me!” Yeah, yeah, you are right. It isn’t fair that this happened to you. But life’s not fair. Getting through this stage may require the purchase of a stress ball or punching bag, as long as you don’t have a broken hand that is…

Stage 3: Bargaining

“Alright I’ll make you a deal, I will pay you $100 dollars if you clear me to play.” Having that little extra pep in your step on the road to recovery is beneficial. Though trying to return to play too early, or having too much pep, well that will only cause a worse injury and longer healing time.

Stage 4: Depression

“What is the point? I’m not a good athlete anyways. Maybe I should take up knitting…” Hold on there! Just because you are not 100% does not mean all that you were before your injury is a lie. You need to keep yourself busy and involved as much as possible with your team or sport. Plus knitting is not as easy as it looks…

Stage 5: Acceptance

“Yay! My leg still hurts… but a lot less than before!” Yeah, you are not fully recovered, but do not fret, the end is near. The end of your injury that is. Of course everything moves in baby steps, but seeing results from sticking to your rehab plan can be as rewarding as the gold medal you won last season. Well no, definitely not as rewarding, but you get the point.

Regardless of whether you are on the field or not, you can contribute to your activities in a different way. See things from a different point of view! Because who knows how much it could benefit your skill in the long run.