SCI Life: How to Ask For Help

Now, honestly, this is no different than a regular life. Asking for help with a spinal cord injury isn’t different than when you were considered a part of the able-bodied world, however, it may feel different.

When you experience an SCI, you will (for a period of time) lose your independence, and you will feel at a loss of control.

You may also fear being a burden to others since you are not used to asking for help, or that you need a lot more help than you are used to.

I can remember many instances when my dad was injured, how difficult it was to see him ask for help (understandably), but it also taught me the importance of getting out of your own way and asking for help so that you can move forward a lot faster.

In the video below, I share with you my famous “3 A's” that have helped me tremendously when it comes to mental health, and apply the same principles to life with an SCI.

1. Admit - that you need help.

As I mentioned above, you will be your biggest obstacle to you receiving help. You first need to admit to yourself that you have a problem. Until you do that, you can’t move forward.

2. Ask - for help.

Nobody knows that you are struggling unless you say so. We can admit to ourselves that we need help, yet still get in our own way to allow others to help us.

There are people who would love to help you (and feel good about it!) - if you will let them.

3. Accept - the help.

When the help is in front of you, you need to take action. You need to implement the help.

If someone schedules an appointment for you, don’t cancel it.

If your doctor gives you a medication to try, try it.

If you are recommended a book to read (such as Still Standing: When You Have Every Reason to Give Up, Keep Going), make sure you actually go out and buy a copy and read it!

Wink. Wink. ;)

These 3 A’s have been a game-changer for me and so many. And they can be applied to anything where you find yourself struggling to ask for help.

You will be your biggest obstacle to overcome while asking for help, and it can be as easy as Admit, Ask, and Accept.

Find out more about Kevin at https://sci-can.ca/our-bloggers