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Psychological Distress After Burn Injury

Emotional reactions after burn injury are common and valid—recognizing them is the first step toward recovery.

It’s normal to feel sad, anxious, frustrated, or overwhelmed after a burn injury. These emotional responses can affect healing, relationships, and quality of life—but support and treatment can make a difference.


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What to Know About Emotional Distress

Burn recovery affects more than just the body—it also takes a toll on emotional well-being. Survivors often feel grief over lost abilities, frustration with slow progress, or fear about the future. These reactions are natural and part of the healing process. 

Key things to remember:

  • Emotional distress is common after burn injury. 

  • Feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability may come and go—or linger. 

  • Symptoms often improve over time with support. 

  • Addressing mental health can improve physical recovery.

Symptoms You Might Notice

Everyone reacts differently after trauma. Some signs of distress include:

Feeling sad, down, or irritable

Anxiety or restlessness

Trouble sleeping or eating

Feeling alone or disconnected

Difficulty focusing or remembering things

Avoiding reminders of the injury

Physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or nausea

You may also notice distress during specific situations, like dressing changes or talking about the injury. If these symptoms last more than a few weeks, or make daily life harder, support from a mental health professional can help. 

Treatment Options

Mental Health Support

  • Counseling or Therapy: Talking with a trained therapist can reduce distress and help develop coping skills. 

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. 

  • Trauma-Focused Therapy: Targets symptoms of PTSD or traumatic stress. 

  • Appearance-Focused Counseling: Addresses concerns about scarring and body image.

Medication

  • Antidepressants or Anti-anxiety Medications: May help with mood, sleep, and anxiety. 

  • Sleep Aids: Short-term options like melatonin may help—ask your provider. 

  • Medication for PTSD Symptoms: Prescribed on a case-by-case basis.

Support should be tailored to your needs. Talk with your burn team to find the right options. 

Coping Strategies That Make a Difference

Coping with emotional distress is part of healing. Many people find relief through:

Social Connections

Stay in touch with people who care about you.

Routine

Get dressed, go outside, and do something enjoyable each day.

Physical Activity

Movement (as approved by your care team) can lift mood.

Mindfulness or Relaxation

Breathing exercises, meditation, or journaling can help.

Setting Goals

Break recovery into small, manageable steps.

Peer Support

Talking with other survivors can reduce isolation and provide hope.

Try to avoid coping by withdrawing or ignoring feelings—these strategies can lead to more distress over time. Mental health professionals can offer tools that work. 

Related Resources

Find a Burn Center
Sleep Problems After Burn Injury
Survivor Support
Coping with Itch After Burn Injury
Managing Pain After Burn Injury

Disclaimer 

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your health care provider about emotional health and available support during recovery. 

Attribution 

Adapted from the MSKTC factsheet: Emotional Distress After Burn Injury, with contributions from medical experts and burn survivors.