What Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A TBI typically results from a severe jolt, hit, or puncture to the head. Common situations where TBIs can occur include but are not limited to:
- Sports
- Car Accidents
- Falls
- Combat
- Police/EMS experiences
- Physical aggression
How does grief and loss relate to TBI(s)?
Depending on the severity of the TBI and how it impacts a person, one may never know they sustained a TBI. Others, on the other hand, will find their lives changed forever. If the TBI is severe enough the person may experience:
- Rapid shifts in emotion or mood to the point that their friends and family members distance themselves. This can lead to isolation and even separations or divorce
- Difficulties with concentration and attention that may lead to job loss and change in socioeconomic status
- Changes in one’s abilities (i.e. sports) compared to what the person could do before the TBI
- Chronic pain
- Mobility challenges
These factors noted above can create barriers and hinder a person from engagement in past enjoyable activities/past times. Thus, resulting in grief and loss.
Where does grief and loss come in?
Grief and loss can flare up in a multitude of ways, some being:
- Guilt
- Shame
- Embarrassment
- Anger
- Self-Doubt
The grief and loss from a TBI can be palpable and difficult to manage. Some people are able to manage it on their own. One-on-one and/or group therapy can assist with processing these aspects (guilt, shame, etc.) of TBI fallout. One-on-one therapy can provide an individual a place to express their emotions in a non-judgmental way to the relieve rapidly building emotional pressure. Some aspects of the TBI fallout can even be integrated through EMDR therapy. Therapy in-it-of-itself cannot heal the brain physically; however, it can support a person through their recovery journey.
If you or someone you know have experienced a TBI and struggles to navigate life, we offer free 20-minute consultations to determine if we can help. Our Kenosha TBI therapist is prepared to support you or someone you know navigate TBI recovery. Submit a form here or call us at 720.295.6703.
