Common psychological issues

Recovery times and experiences vary. Everyone will have a different journey. For some it will be relatively quick and easy; for others it might be harder.

After weeks or perhaps months in hospital, it is important plan the return home.

Although people may no longer need the monitoring, treatment or therapies provided in hospital, they may still have some symptoms that need monitoring, treatment or therapies provided in the community or in their home.

Having ongoing physical symptoms, not knowing when/ if you will “get back to normal”, facing other people asking you what happened and how you are feeling can be upsetting.

It's important to remember that it is common, normal and expected to feel overwhelmed and distressed at times while you are ill or recovering. Feeling upset is not a sign that you are not coping or that there is something wrong with you; it’s a sign that you are going through a really tough time.  For many, these difficulties fade and pass with time.

Sometimes psychological or emotional problems arise late in the recovery process, often once they returned to normal. This can be quite difficult for a number of reasons. Some people hide or feel guilty about these issues when they feel that their family has already been through enough and they want to appear strong for everyone else. It's never too late or too difficult to get the help you need.