Written by Samoana Matagi on July 16, 2024
Dear Burn Community,
Welcome to "Ask the Experts," Journey Magazine's advice column. In this edition, we received common questions about returning to work, how therapy can help your recovery, and the importance of nutrition. As we respond to submitted questions from the community, we draw on our personal and professional experience to offer guidance and do our best to make it good advice.
Want your question featured in the magazine? Email resources@phoenix-society.org with "Ask the Experts" in the subject line. No question is off limits! Odds are, someone else is facing a similar challenge.
Sincerely,
Lise, Felicia, Sam
Dear Experts,
My burn injury happened a few months ago and I am getting ready to go back to work full-time. I work in the food and beverage industry and have visible scars on my hands and neck. What advice do you have when answering customer questions about my scars? They are still bright red and I’m scared I will receive a lot of negative looks or remarks.
Kendra
Dear Kendra,
Congratulations on your upcoming return to work! For me, returning to work was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. In your case, working in food and beverage brings another layer of complexity to burn injury recovery. In my case, I only had to explain it to my coworkers once, but I can see how meeting so many new people every day could create anxiety.
To this day, I still get questions from strangers while I’m out in the community. Sometimes, telling my story in the beginning could cause me to relive my worst day. One trick I have learned to take the emotion out of retelling the story is called rehearsed response. When asked what happened, I have share a three-sentence scripted response.
In the first sentence, I explain what happened. Keep this sentence as simple as possible. In my case, I say, "I was burned by electricity while working on power lines."
In the second sentence, I may tell how I'm doing right now or I may even say, "I'm not in the mood to talk about it." Remember, it's your story, and you have the right to tell or not tell your story.
The third sentence is a pivot sentence. It lets the inquirer know that the conversation subject is transitioning. I could say, "Thanks for asking!" to end the conversation. I often use the last sentence to ask, "How are you doing?" I like that a lot because it reminds the listener I'm treating them like a human and I am not defined by my injury.
Once you pick out your three sentences, practice them until they become easy and routine. This will help so your response becomes almost void of emotion to say. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.
Kendra, I hope that helps. I hope your return to work is a positive experience. Remember, if you ever need to talk, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors has peer mentors to help who are only a phone call away!
Samoana Matagi earned a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism in 2004. After two years in the field of Broadcast Journalism, he changed career paths to a high-voltage electrical line worker. Three years into his apprenticeship, he was involved in an electrical work accident that cost him his hands. He then became critically acclaimed for his recovery story, which drove him to create a YouTube channel to help other amputees. Now, he speaks to audiences about resilience. Learn more at www.nohandedbandit.com or by connecting with him on YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram.
Our private Facebook group is open to all survivors and loved ones from all walks of life and members are encouraged to share their experiences, thoughts, feelings, and questions with one another.
Disclaimer: The stories featured on this website are personal accounts shared by individuals from the burn community. Each burn injury, recovery journey, and healing process is unique. These stories are meant to offer connection, insight, and hope but are not intended as medical advice. What worked for one person may not be appropriate for others. The perspectives shared in these stories do not necessarily represent the views of Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. If you have medical questions or concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.