Understanding the Impact of Injury on Mental Wellbeing
Experiencing an injury can be challenging for a child or young person. Beyond the physical recovery, they may also struggle with feelings of frustration, isolation, or a loss of confidence. As part of Children’s Mental Health Week 2025, this year’s theme, “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself,” highlights the importance of self-awareness in developing resilience.
Helping children and young people understand their emotions and recognise their strengths can support their mental wellbeing and aid their recovery.
How Self-Awareness Can Help After Injury
When a child experiences an injury, it can impact their sense of identity – particularly if it affects their usual activities, such as sport or social interactions. Self-awareness plays a key role in helping them adjust by:
- Encouraging them to acknowledge their emotions and express how they feel
- Helping them recognise their personal strengths and coping mechanisms
- Supporting them in developing new goals and a positive mindset towards recovery
By focusing on self-awareness, we can help children grow in confidence and develop the resilience to navigate their recovery more effectively.
Practical Ways to Support a Child’s Mental Health After Injury
Encourage Open Conversations – Talking about their emotions can help children process their experiences. Let them know it’s okay to feel upset or frustrated and reassure them that they are not alone.
Set Realistic Goals – Small, achievable milestones can help children regain a sense of progress, whether that’s regaining mobility, returning to school, or gradually resuming activities they enjoy.
Promote a Growth Mindset – Encourage children to see their recovery journey as an opportunity for growth. Reinforcing the idea that setbacks are part of the healing process can help them develop resilience.
Support Positive Coping Strategies – Activities such as mindfulness, journaling, or creative expression can help children manage their emotions and build self-awareness.
Seek Professional Support If Needed – Some children may require additional emotional support during recovery. Accessing professional services, such as counselling or rehabilitation support, can make a significant difference.
As our Rehabilitation Case Manager, Rebecca Green highlights:
“It is imperative that we, as case managers, support children’s mental health alongside organising interventions for physical recovery. Every child is different, with unique needs, personalities and support networks, so our approach should always be personalised, keeping the child at the centre.”
At HCML, we provide specialist Children & Young People’s Services to support both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery following an injury. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that children receive the care and guidance they need.
🔗 Find out more about our services here: https://hcml.co.uk/children-young-peoples-services/