Have you read the book, “The Butterfly and the The Diving Bell”? Or seen the movie? If so, you’ll have an idea of what “locked in syndrome” is. It’s where someone is completely paralysed and unable to communicate apart from maybe being able to blink an eye. Can you imagine? Can you imagine what that must feel like? Well, read this study of people who have this condition and prepare to be amazed. 91 people took part in this study.
Over half the respondents acknowledged severe restrictions on their ability to reintegrate back into the community and lead a normal life. Only one in five were able to partake in everyday activities they considered important. Nevertheless, most (72%) said they were happy.
Said they were happy! Isn’t that amazing? And here’s what amazes me, perhaps even more.
But a shorter period in the syndrome — under a year — feeling anxious, and not recovering speech were also associated with unhappiness. A greater focus on rehabilitation and more aggressive treatment of anxiety could therefore make a big difference, say the authors, who emphasise that it can take these patients a year or more to adapt to this huge change in their circumstances.
In other words, they adapted. Doesn’t this speak volumes about the human capacity to adapt? And doesn’t it make you wonder just what happiness is?
Heroes Not Zombies 
I’ve always thought that those who think “I’ll be happy when I get there” are missing out on a huge part of life no matter what they end up doing. “I’ll be happy on the journey,” provides so much more time to enjoy life and forces a state of mind that adapts to conditions rather than holds off for final results. Interesting study.