'It's not just physical': A report putting a spotlight on the mental health of people with spinal cord injuries (Spinal Injuries Association, 17 November 2021)

Summary

This report was undertaken by the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), the University of Reading and the University of Buckingham to examine the mental health of spinal cord injured (SCI) people, and to identify gaps in mental health support for them and their unpaid carers in the UK. More than 300 members shared their views on the mental health support they receive, with a focus on depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. A further 16 unpaid carers - partners and parents - took part in interviews to gain a full picture of the services received.  

Content

Findings:

• 28% of people living with a SCI experience suicidal ‘ideation’ – frequent thoughts or ideas about committing suicide
•  47% of people living with a SCI reported experiencing mental health problems in one or more of the assessed mental health conditions
• 68% of people living with a SCI who accessed NHS psychological support have stopped because it was either “not appropriate for their condition” or “making their condition worse”

It’s really not just physical. The findings of this seminal research is a wake-up call for the NHS, healthcare planners and policymakers to provide better mental health support services for SCI people - and their unpaid carers - as a matter of urgency.