Peer Support Groups, what’s in it for accident survivors?

After spending over 2 months in Mater Dei hospital and asking for psychologist who could help me in dealing with my grief and PTSD, I started to loose my hope. I learnt I am on waiting list, and that psychologist might be assigned within 6 months. I needed psychological help immediately, God knows where I am going to be in 6 months.

When my friend, Anne asked what I needed, after witnessing my outburst of frustration,

I answered without hesitation: I need to speak with someone who went through a similar ordeal but is standing tall now. I needed hope injection urgently! I needed to learn from someone that it is possible to survive such pain and suffering and come on the other side. The next day, a lovely gentlemen called Noel came on his wheelchair to my hospital room. He was Anne’s friend who lost his leg due to thromboses. He told me his story, answered my questions and shared his tips regarding recovery.

The words and acts of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey. Sarah Fielding

The traumatic injuries resulted after an accident not only affected my physical functioning but also the psycho-social health. I was in grieving process after losing Boris, and getting depressed not knowing what’s ahead of me. I was in physical pain, disabled to walk, and I was having panic attacks and post-traumatic stress leaving me breathless.

Noel’s voluntary gesture of coming to see me changed my perspective. He helped me realise that I am not the only one, and there is many other people who went through a tragic circumstances and managed. Noel in fact. managed really well. According to him, his life became much more active and meaningful after the amputation. He part-takes in marathons and travels the world, there is nothing to stop him. What an inspiration! His gesture and impact it had on my recovery, inspired my new mission which is:

To connect with, and empower accident survivors by providing peer support groups facilitating their recovery.

So, what’s in it for you? These are some benefits of joining a peer support group:

• Gaining support and hope from others facing similar experiences

• Feeling less anxious, afraid or alone

• Sharing experiences and helping others by doing so

• Learning new skills for coping and enhancing your life

• Becoming more self-confident

• Feeling more in control

• Developing new friendships

Recovery is never a straight process, it’s usually a long bridge covered in fog of confusion and not knowing what’s next. Why not crossing this bridge together with those who already crossed it before you?

Much love,

Kasia