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Moving on

Recovery can sometimes take quite some time, although everyone is different. It is fair to say that we probably know the least about longer term recovery. This is largely because the current research recommendations are to follow patients up for "at least 6 months" after Intensive Care. Also, much of the research that has been done has tended to use questionnaires which, although very useful, may not tell us enough about what recovery is like for patients in their everyday lives.

Having spoken to a number of patients at one year after hospital discharge, however, it seems that while some may have lingering physical and psychological issues after being in Intensive Care, many have learned to live with them. The main focus at this time would appear to be keeping well, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting out and about. For some, the "anniversary" of their time in Intensive Care can prompt them to reflect on their emotional journey. In this section, we've provided some links to general information and advice. We hope you find it useful.

 

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Web Link: We Are With You

Free confidential online mental health support.

Web Link: Wellbeing Info

A list of resources to help support mental and physical health.

Web Link: Wellbeing resources from Health in Mind

Health in Mind has put together a collection of resources to aid people in improving their mental health through self-help. Visit the website to access these resources.

Web Link: What is anxiety?

"Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry or fear. We all feel anxious at times, but anxiety may be a mental health problem if your feelings are very strong or last a long time. More than one in 20 of us have an anxiety disorder and it's very common after a stay in ICU." Find out more by visiting the link to the mentalhealth.org website.

Article: When can I get back to driving?

Depending on the type of illness that took you into Intensive Care, there may be no reason why you shouldn't go back to driving. However, if you had a heart attack, for example, you are generally advised not to drive for at least a month afterwards. There may be other reasons for caution around getting back behind the wheel, but if you are in any doubt at all about your ability to drive, please consult your GP and your insurance company. Patients do sometimes tell us that they feel...

Web Link: Young peoples' experiences of ICU and recovery: a video

This link will take you to a webast from ICUsteps, the UK's leading ICU patient-led group. In this webast, Olivia talks about her experiences of having been admitted to Intensive Care multiple times, due to severe asthma. The panel includes Dr Kate Regan (an ICU Consultant), Dr Christina Jones (a former ICU nurse and post-ICU researcher) and Mo Peskett (an ICU follow-up Sister and Chair of ICUsteps). The panel discusses how we can best support younger people, and how we can learn from...