Our other blog posts describe Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) in depth. Click here to reference these posts. However, how does one begin to navigate life with a TBI? This question will be answered in various subsections throughout this blog post.
Navigating Life with a Traumatic Brain Injury
There are vast differences between a mild concussion and needing to have a craniotomy to stop a brain bleed when referencing the spectrum of TBIs that can occur in life. As for mild concussions, despite being disruptive and hard to navigate for the first few weeks. These tend to heal with rest and low levels of stimulation. However, if compound concussions or a more severe form of a TBI occur, one’s life can shift rapidly.
With the more severe TBIs, people may notice prolonged periods of TBI symptoms that can take months and years to heal, with some symptoms never resolving. Challenges with concentration and focus can make past tasks done with ease more difficult. Issues with irritation, anger, and rage can make someone feel like they are in a different body because it feels so foreign. Other challenges that may occur can relate to TBI symptoms specifically, i.e. issues around sleep, fatigue, impulse control, headaches, and/or body tension.
These TBI symptoms then make navigating life with a TBI difficult due to how these symptoms playout in one’s life. The above symptoms can make intimate relationships more challenging or decrease work productivity, for example. Social relationships after a TBI can be impacted due to prolonged periods of fatigue or one’s inability to participate in activities they once engaged in.
Find Ways to Live Your Values
Everyone has values in life. After a TBI, these values may shift somewhat to adjust to a person’s new reality. Finding important ways to live out these values is as crucial as ever. Experiencing and living with a TBI can be isolating in general; however, if we also disconnect from our value system, we can experience additional loss in our self-worth and esteem.
Seeking Support Where and When Needed
Some people experience a TBI and are able to heal and carry on with their lives. Others may not be so fortunate as the TBI recovery process can get bumpy. Leaning into humility and asking for help is not something to be ashamed of. We all need help and support at times throughout our lives. From speech therapy to physical therapy our minds as well as our bodies need to heal. This is where both acceptance and TBI therapy come into play to support recovery.
Acceptance of the Process
Acceptance is a tricky topic when talking about TBIs. Acceptance isn’t’ saying ‘it is what it is’ and giving up. Acceptance is a very active process where we take intentional steps to pursue recovery. This will help of reshape and live out the lives we desire.
Therapy for TBIs
If you are searching for a therapist near you that understands TBIs and how they impact one’s life, look no further. At Revitalize Mental Health PLLC, we understand the challenges TBIs can create in one’s life and will actively work with you to support the recovery process. We will also work collaboratively with other members of your treatment team to support overall care and interventions. Call us now at 720.295.6703 or submit an online here.
