Spinal Injuries Unit Psychology Service

Location: Spinal Injury Unit, 207-255 Hampstead Road, Northfield, S.A. 5085
Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre

Experiencing a spinal cord injury is a significantly stressful event in a person's life. ‘Normal’ people placed in the ‘abnormal’ situation of dealing with such an injury and having to spend extended amounts of time in hospital will often experience a range of reactions. This may include feelings of sadness, anxiety (e.g. "stressing out", worries), depression and anger. Often people initially describe feeling like they are on a "roller-coaster ride" of emotions, feeling okay one minute and not okay the next. The drastic changes which can accompany spinal cord injury can also make many people initially feel out of control of their lives. These reactions are completely understandable and normal.

How the Clinical Psychologist can help

Many people who have experienced a spinal cord injury have found it helpful to talk about their different thoughts and feelings, as they occur. While some people prefer to do this with close individuals, others prefer to speak with someone outside their circle of family and close friends.
The Clinical Psychology service provides individuals who have suffered a spinal cord injury and their families additional emotional support as part of the rehabilitation process. This support is important, particularly with regard to adjusting to the changes and managing the emotions that come with spinal cord injury.

Specific issues the psychologist can assist people with include:

• Pain management
• Feelings of depression
• Feelings of anger/frustration
• Feelings of stress/anxiety
• Concerns about family members
• Body image issues
• Difficulty coping with the hospital routine

Leaving Hampstead Centre

Although for most people, discharge from Hampstead Centre is a keenly awaited event, it also brings with it its share of added concerns and new adjustments to be made. To assist with the transition from hospital setting to home, the psychologist is available to see people with a spinal cord injury as outpatients at any time after their discharge. This is to ensure a continuum of support for clients of the unit. Appointments with the psychologist can be arranged by speaking to your medical specialist in the spinal injury outpatient department.