When we are injured we often can not do the things we usually do to keep ourselves regulated and balanced, especially if we value activity in our life. What makes injuries so hard for many of us, is that often our ways of coping and expressing ourselves are taken from us, just at a time we need them the most.

The experience of grief- especially grief resulting from accidents in the outdoors - is one that up until now I have deeply acknowledged, but often shied away from in my own therapy practice, choosing to focus on injury because, well, there is possibility for recovery. Possibilities for a new way of life, of new perspectives, new goals, new outlooks, a path forward….

Sometimes, if we are not used to paying attention to our mental health, it can be hard to spot the cues that we are struggling.

A lot of us have a hard time letting go of identities and the beliefs we have about ourselves. We tend to think that if we identify in a specific way or do a specific thing – we are “an athlete”, “a runner,” “a skier,” “ the goofy one,” “the life of the party” - we need to commit to that forever.

Validation helps people feel seen, heard and supported.

The irony is we often try to avoid emotions in order to get to a solution, but so often it is being with and acknowledging the emotion that IS the solution.

But know that grief is a powerful healer when we let it in. We often have to grieve past versions of ourselves so that we can make room for who we will be.