Are you ready to go home?

For those of us who finally get to return home from the hospital after a traumatic event has altered our lives, a new chapter in our journey awaits that has the potential of causing nonstop challenge and change. Our ability to face these adjustments needs to be met with patience and an evolving open mind as we rewire our brains into accepting our home environment while moving forward.

While in the hospital where threats to our safety are at a minimum, that day eventually arrives and we see the light at the end of the tunnel. At first, that sounds like wonderful news — and it should be — but doubt and depression may give way to the uncertainty of how we will safely exist. How will we occupy our time? Will progress give way to regression, and will interests give way to boredom? In the hospital our time is occupied with tests and procedures, therapy, visitors, and of course rest and recovery. In other words, we are the center of attention. Going home, we are now in some way or another alone.

Therefore, after receiving that news it’s a good idea to formulate a transition plan. You might consider keeping your plan simple at first and then building up along the way. Ideas are going to pop up randomly each day and night, so keep something like your phone or tablet nearby to take notes as thoughts fly in and out. Here are 5 pieces of advice to help with the process of organizing your objectives:

1. Remember Expectations vs. Reality:

• Try not to conquer the world when you get home. You need to initially be mindful of what works and doesn’t work as you proceed through the day. Above all, be kind as you communicate so you don’t unexpectedly find yourself taking advantage of a caregiver if you have one.

• Your environment is never going to be perfect. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, but do for yourself and others when it’s safe. Recovery is crucial: the more you do overtime assists in regaining your self-reliance and your freedom from what may restrict you.

2. Manage Your Recovery Threats:

• Your cellphone goes with you everywhere, no exceptions.

• Not every threat is catastrophic: a threat can be a minor or major setback that can set the depression monster loose. To help with threat management, try not to assume every challenge will be nearly insurmountable.

• People who are not in wheelchairs don’t always see the obstacles of someone in a wheelchair. However, don’t be mad at them when they don’t see your dilemma. Help them to help you. When you see a threat, speak up with progress — not resentment — in mind so others can broaden their perspectives.

• Remove all the trip hazards and revisit this often. Don’t get too comfortable: stay vigilant for problem areas.

• The longer one goes without injury from a threat, the more one risks overconfidence. Situational awareness is the key to success. Try to always be one step ahead of the next step.

• Situations and surroundings change overtime: reevaluate threats to your safety like clockwork.

3. Monitor Psychological Progress:

• You may think recovery is more physical than psychological, but let me assure you it’s always the other way around. The two are connected: when one sees progress, the other is likely to follow.

• Exercise within your limits, seated or standing. It occupies and strengths your mind while getting your thoughts retrained onto something new.

• Actively practice mindfulness. Focusing on harmony and gratefulness can look different for everyone. For me, my dog Mac spending time with me would slow the chatter in my brain. Surround yourself with what (and who) help you open your eyes toward mindfulness.

4. Set Goals For Your Transition:

• What makes you happy? Making goals centered on large or small things like sitting in the sun or enjoying a favorite meal can be great motivators.

• What makes you laugh? Prioritizing humor is a fantastic way to rewire and a big boost for your mental health. Don’t underestimate the power of a good laugh!

• Set goals that require movement and facilitate active physical therapy. This looks different for every person. Comparison is the thief of joy, so try to avoid comparing your movement/physical therapy goals.

• What gets you out of the house? Facilitate that experience every day. Change is needed in your world, and it’s a great way to remove “I can’t” even if all you replace it with is “I tried.”

5. Care For Your Caregivers:

• Consistently let your caregivers know you are grateful for all they do. After all, these are the people who see you at the worst time in your life. Whether this show of appreciation is words or actions, express your gratitude.

• Realize that your caregivers need to get away on occasion to re-energize themselves and do something for them. You might even consider doing something for your caregivers, if you can: helping others — even if it’s giving someone a reason to smile — is also an excellent way to boost your own mental wellbeing.

• Prioritize your relationship being a two-way street! Make your caregivers the center of attention when possible. Talk with your caregivers often and hug them. These are the moments of heartfelt connection that go a long way.

Do you have a story to share of your own recovery hurdles and achievements? I would really enjoy hearing them in the comments below.