Being involved in an accident is no joke. Not only will it take a toll on the body, but it can also be very hard on the emotional and mental well-being of anyone who went through this trauma. Being there for your friend can take different forms. Here are some ways to be supportive during the difficult time of recovery.
Be a source of encouragement
Like anyone who has been through a serious accident, your friend will go through a phase where he will have to deal with a rollercoaster of emotions. With that kind of chaos in his mind, he probably won’t feel like doing anything.
He won’t feel like getting on his feet, going to the doctor, attending physical therapy sessions or choosing independent living products that could help make his life easier. In this instance, you play a special role in providing the extra nudge he needs to do what he has to do.
Be a companion
Aside from the physical pain and suffering, accidents will prove to be a setback in various other ways. Taking care of basic things could seem very tedious, and getting around places will be even more so. To help your friend feel connected, you can offer to spend time with him and hang out at his home where he can be himself.
Moreover, if your friend has to go to important appointments, you can offer to go with him. He will be more comfortable and confident with a trusted friend around.
Help with errands
After the accident, there will be lots of paperwork. There are insurance papers and documents from the hospital, among others. It will seem very overwhelming for your friend who just went through a traumatic event and still reeling from the after-effects of it.
Having someone who can help him keep track of all those papers and organise them will be a huge help. That’s one thing off his mind so that he can channel his energy to recovering faster.
Be inclusive
Are you planning a get-together with your other friends? Show some compassion by being considerate of your friend in need. Instead of going outdoors, you could hang out together at your friend’s house or somewhere he can be comfortable in. Being around caring and encouraging friends will help him cope better.
Bring some food
Something as basic as preparing a meal can be tough for someone who is recovering from an accident. Bring a smile to his face by bringing some of his favourite food when you come to visit him. There’s nothing like a sumptuous meal to lift one’s spirit.
Stand in for some of his duties
If your friend has duties or is responsible for a kid or a pet, you can offer to take off some of that burden. You can offer to walk his dog or fetch his kids from school. By taking some of those responsibilities off his shoulders, you afford him more time so that he can focus on his needs.
Being there for someone in his most difficult is what being a friend is all about. You’re that special person who can keep him fighting and help him get through that dark moment.
