The results of the present study underscore the vulnerability of the population with spinal cord injury to emotional disorders. This study highlights the complexity of mental health problems experienced by many individuals with spinal cord injury living in the community. The delivery of mental health services to this vulnerable population requires recognition of comorbidity and problems of mobility, access and stigma.

Although Internet-based interventions for mental health issues in SCI not a solution for all, our results indicate that they are a potentially valuable addition to the currently available options.

This study examined multiple mental health outcomes after NT-SCI in Australia. This study provides some evidence that the results of studies of depression, anxiety or stress in persons with T-SCI can be generalised to those with NT-SCI in the post-acute phase. NT-SCI patients are also at substantial risk of poor mental health outcomes. General demographic and injury-related characteristics do not seem to be important factors associated with the mental health of adults with SCI whether the SCI is traumatic or non-traumatic in origin.

Comparatively few factors were significantly associated with normative subjective well-being, but the results help to explain observed contradictions noted in previous research into subjective well-being after spinal cord injuries. The results highlight the resilience of individuals in general and are in keeping with the disability paradox. However, many individuals with spinal cord injuries do not live satisfactory lives. It is for them that further psychological care and rehabilitation is necessary to create a good life after spinal cord injury.