Today’s #SameHere🤙Hero: Nikeea Killick (So interesting to hear the perspective of someone who went through a major physical injury from an accident, while at the same time had to deal with mental health complications related to the accident. Though not surprised by her perspective, I was very interested to learn from Nikeea how the mental health piece felt harder to tackle than the physical health piece. Things we…and others…can’t see/don’t know how to measure/don’t have a definitive game plan for, can be tremendous obstacles to overcome. We’re grateful to Nikeea for sharing her story and perspective as yet another unique way that life’s obstacles can affect us.)
“19 month’s ago I was in a terrible accident that resulted in multiple fractures of the pelvis, wrist, ribs and face, along with two brain injuries. I fell down approximately 2.5 stories. My injuries were so intense, they induced me into a coma, and I woke 8 days later. Recovery was strange and difficult. I went from a wheelchair, to crutches, to walking with pain. I had forgotten how to spell simple words, took hours to write back a simple text because putting a conversation together was hard. Bright lights and noise overwhelmed me, causing anxiety. All these things in my brain were happening and no one really understood. Looking back on the experience, I now see that the mental state/obstacles were probably worse than the physical injuries. I felt like no one understood what was going on in my head. I wanted to sleep life away, but was also to scared to sleep from the nightmares I was having. I was paranoid and I hated myself. It was a dark place.
I was diagnosed with PTSD, although I kept most of my mental struggles to myself. I didn’t want to worry my partner and family. I also felt wrong and selfish for feeling down because everyone kept telling me how lucky I was to be alive. There were time’s when I reached out for help. I called the Beyond Blue helpline. I called my partner and parents for a chat when feelings became too much to handle.
I ultimately took advice from family to ‘get busy.’ I started making dream catchers and candles. I also started meditating; mostly practicing gratitude. Although my doctor recommended antidepressants, I refused and wanted to get through the tough times naturally. I started university, determined to challenge myself. It made me feel somewhat empowered knowing that I could get better through my own activities. I now practice being a better person, regularly.
I have told my story many times, but the mental aspects have not been as public as what I have shared here – so, #SameHere🤙. I hope to inspire people who are in similar situations to speak to family, friends, and professionals. Believe in your own strength ❤!”
