What do we do when we can't work anymore?

What happens when injury or illness means we can’t work our jobs? We continue to live successful, productive lives. That’s what we do. We can help you through this.

From working with hundreds of injured workers as a vocational rehabilitation specialist over the years, I’ve learned a few things. It may not be the life you imagined, but you can still have a full and productive life. 

I’m going to share a few tips with you:

• First of all, don’t believe everything you hear yourself saying and stay positive! Often we get ourselves believing that we won’t work again when that’s not the case. Working with your team of health professionals is SO important. Maybe also working with a career specialist can help. Your physicians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, occupational therapists all can help you with your rehabilitation. 
• Perseverance is important. Use the same tenacity that drove you to obtain your training or get you the job to help you with your recovery. Don’t be too hard on yourself, you have been injured or suffered an illness, just give it your best.  
• Listen to all of the prescribed recommendations you’ve been given. Often I see patients that have been given an exercise program but they are convinced they can’t do their job anymore, maybe they will require surgery, maybe they will have to change careers. I’ll ask, “Are you doing your prescribed exercises? Everything your health professionals have asked you to do? Often the answer is no. Try to give it your best shot – never give up.

Isn’t that we tell our children? To give it their best? Try? Don’t give up? Take your own best advice! Don’t give up before you even start. Don’t give in to the power of negative thinking. Be patient, do what you’ve been instructed to do and wait and see. If you don’t recover completely, your team of healthcare professionals will help you figure out what’s next.