How to counsel paralyzed patients
Nov 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Paralyzed patients can generally be counseled through methods such as listening to their inner feelings, sharing positive rehabilitation cases, assisting them in participating in suitable activities, attending to the fulfillment of their daily needs, and encouraging them to express emotional changes. By patiently accompanying the patient, allow them to fully express concerns about their illness and confusion about life, without interrupting or dismissing their feelings. Respond gently to help patients feel understood, thereby alleviating feelings of loneliness and helplessness.
Generally, guiding and supporting paralyzed patients can be achieved through methods such as listening to their inner feelings, sharing positive rehabilitation cases, assisting with suitable activities, attending to daily needs, and encouraging the expression of emotional changes. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Listening to the patient's inner feelings: Patiently accompany the patient, allowing them to fully express concerns about their illness and confusion about life. Avoid interrupting or dismissing their thoughts. Respond gently to help the patient feel understood, thereby alleviating feelings of loneliness and helplessness.
2. Sharing positive rehabilitation cases: Share real-life examples of other paralyzed patients who have improved through rehabilitation training. Avoid exaggeration, so the patient can see the possibility of recovery and gradually build confidence in facing their condition, reducing negative emotions.
3. Assisting with suitable activities: Based on the patient’s physical condition, help them participate in simple activities such as listening to music, watching favorite programs, or engaging in handicrafts. This helps divert attention away from the illness, enriches daily life, and increases enjoyment.
4. Attending to daily needs: Carefully observe the patient’s needs regarding diet, daily living, and comfort. Provide timely assistance—such as adjusting body position to relieve discomfort or preparing preferred foods—to make the patient feel cared for and enhance psychological security.
5. Encouraging expression of emotional changes: Inform the patient that emotional fluctuations are normal. Encourage them to openly share feelings such as irritability or sadness, and work together to find ways to alleviate these emotions, preventing buildup of negativity that could affect mental well-being.
In daily life, maintain continuous communication with the patient to avoid neglecting emotional needs due to busyness. At the same time, collaborate with healthcare professionals to learn about rehabilitation knowledge and provide scientifically sound support, helping the patient gradually adapt to physical changes and face life positively.
