You’re going about your life, minding your business when the phone buzzes. After answering it, everything changes. This is how it feels when a loved one has been in an accident. At first, it’s about ensuring they are okay and aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Then, when the dust settles, it’s about adjusting to a new way of life. Their needs come first, but it’s essential for you to regroup too. After all, the mental impact it can have on a person is hard to explain.

Because it’s new and strange and full of emotion, it can be tough to find coping mechanisms. Below are four for the people that need inspiration.

As harsh as it sounds, it is easy to feel pity for someone who has been struck down in their prime. A loved one that now has to deal with a disability, permanent or temporary, is bound to be in a difficult place. As a result, you may feel as if the universe has been tough on him or her. This can impact your relationship. The key is to communicate. They may be sad, angry and more, yet they probably understand how they need to act to get better. A simple conversation can make you see the light, too.

Thoughts and emotions intensify when there are moments of clarity. Laid in bed at night with your brain running wild, the severity of the situation will hit home. In the beginning, this is a necessary part of the recovery process because it allows you to deal with your feelings. However, it can get in the way after a while. People that struggle with the emotions are crippled by sadness and grief. Staying busy is an effective way to prevent the brain from obsessing as there won’t be time to evaluate and analyze.

Accidents wreck lives. Therefore, the changes may be costly and not covered by the insurance. For example, a person with a disability will need constant medical attention. Although there is a stigma to it, there is nothing wrong with suing for compensation. The Abelson Law Firm points out family members need fairly compensating because the outcome wasn’t their fault. Plus, the behavior requires stopping as soon as possible to save lives and prevent accidents. A lawsuit causes individuals and companies to evaluate their processes and be better. Just because they’re injured doesn’t mean they can’t fight back.

And not the most recent ones where they are hurt and in pain. Concentrate on the good times when there were joy and happiness on their face. The reason for this is two-fold. Firstly, focusing on the current memories will prolong the grieving process as it will intensify the emotions. Secondly, whether they are gone or aren’t the same, they can live on in your heart. If mental pictures aren’t enough, then print off real ones and start a scrapbook or frame them.

What method do you think is the best one for your journey?