Adjusting to life after a traumatic brain injury is often a
challenging process. In the hospital, surrounded by care professionals, it is
naturally difficult to connect with what life will look like upon returning
home. Yet, that day will come and when it does it is bound to impact both your
mental and physical health while trying to adapt to the changes. Depending on
the severity of the injury, the path to recovery will fluctuate in terms of needs
and adjustments. This guide explores some universal guidance.
Take the Time to Understand
Gathering all the facts may feel overwhelming, but there is
undeniable value to doing so. Before leaving the hospital setting or care
facility, ensure you have the answers to:
- What the cause of the injury was, alongside the initial
consequences.
- Details about how that will impact your life in the short
and long term.
- A care pathway with details of treatment including
physical rehabilitation and mental health support.
- How much care you will require.
- How long the recovery might take.
Being equipped with honest facts will enable the recovery
journey as it gives back control of the situation and understanding something
is a step closer to finding positive ways forward.
Protect Your Mental Health
Mental health is one of the biggest things to be affected
after a brain injury, especially if the new circumstances mean significant
change. People who have suffered an accident that caused head trauma are more likely statistically to experience some level of depression within the
first year post-event. Depression is a serious condition that causes multiple
complications as a solo act, so when combined with other factors it becomes
even more prevalent to seek help. If you feel like you are withdrawing from
loved ones or your social circle, struggle to meet basic hygiene needs, eat
properly, or simply lack motivation to get up and out of bed in the morning,
these are clear indications of a depressive episode.
Mental Health Support Guidance
While this may be situational depression, it still needs
supporting as, when left untreated or mismanaged, it is capable of yielding
devastating consequences and even impeding necessary healing. Here are some
ideas for finding support.
1. Join a group of people with similar experiences. Talking
to others with a shared trauma is a great way to feel connected and combat loneliness
or isolation. There may be shared coping mechanisms or innovative tactics that
come to light, a shoulder to cry on, or a safe space to vent real emotions
during a time of crisis.
2. Set yourself a routine, and stay strict about following
it. Waking up in the morning is one of the biggest mountains to climb when poor
mental health sets in. Make this your top goal and celebrate the little
victory, because that's what it is.
3. Consider enlisting the help of a trained therapist. CBT
and similar are proven methods of combatting depression. An expert clinician
will have an abundance of tactics to bring you back to empowerment and help you
to assert ownership over the dark days.
4. Don't say no to medication because you feel there is a
stigma attached. Depression is a medical condition, and there are treatment
options to help you feel better and start to cope again. Addressing the mental
health aspect of recovery might just enable the physical recovery too, so it
should be viewed as an essential part of your journey and the logical option
for moving forward.
Seek Compensation for Closure
Brain injuries have multiple consequences depending on the
severity and circumstances. Sometimes, there are long-term additional care
needs that mean time off work is necessary and even dictate extra support at
home. Therefore, claiming compensation is sometimes appropriate for TBI
sufferers. The process of acquiring it is not always simple. When the injury in
question was not caused by yourself and has culpable external parties, there
are routes you can take to find peace, compensation, and support. A regular
solicitor may not have the right experience to navigate such a case, and that is why finding a head injuries lawyer with the correct education and know-how is a better
option. They will help you in the appropriate way, give legal advice, and get
you the best possible outcome.
Adapt Supportive Dietary Changes
What you eat will have a big impact on how you recover.
There are certain foods to be avoided, and things to be added in that may
encourage better cognitive redevelopment. Below, there are some food types that
need to be eliminated from your new regime and others that can be enjoyed in
abundance.
Foods to Avoid
Let's start with the types that need to be cut out. Some of
these you might not even miss, and others you might mourn a little. Whatever
your stance, try to view it as a supportive pillar in your overall health
movement that will widen the scope of enablement for your rehabilitation
Salt
High quantities of salt are bad for anyone regardless of age
or weight yet it is used frequently in many dishes. It is known to be a
contributing factor to high blood pressure and strokes, all of which are
detrimental to brain health. So, if you can cut it out (not entirely) then now
is the time to do it. There are other ways to flavor your dishes, so don't take this as a sign that your plate
has to be bland from this point forward!
Caffeine
You don't have to completely abandon caffeine, but it is
sensible to calm down your intake. If you were an avid coffee drinker
pre-injury, this may feel like yet another blow. However, small amounts are
generally okay as they do provide some antioxidants, which are shown to
positively support recovery. Yet, the flip side of caffeine is that it is a
vasoconstrictor, which just means it effectively reduces the flow of blood to
the brain. This is not ideal for a period of supposed healing, as it may
(certainly) hinder the process and counteract all the other changes.
Foods to Swear By
Protein
Foods that are rich in protein support healthy cell
regeneration and muscle strength, so naturally, they will aid the process of
getting better and back to strength. Protein is found in chicken, other meats,
eggs, and beans.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are present in lots of different food sources
and do astounding things for our bodies. They are great for general detoxes and
promoting healthy cell growth, while also acting as a protective shield from
free radicals, which may impact heart health and more. The other bonus is that
it is super easy to add antioxidant centred food into your diet. Berries are a prime source,
which can be enjoyed as a dessert alternative or are a great way to start the
day for your morning meal. Leafy green vegetables like spinach, nuts, and dark
chocolate are three other food types worth exploring.
Omega-3
Omega-3 is mostly found in fish and is well-known as a super
component for supporting cognitive health. Therefore, anything in this remit is
bound to positively impact TBI recovery.
Be Honest With Loved Ones
Being upfront about our personal lives is never easy.
However, in situations like this where recovery is the primary focus, getting
life back on track might just require opening up to those closest to you. Loved
ones and friends in a close social circle are the perfect confidants for
anything that is going on. While it often feels more difficult to connect with
people who aren't having a shared experience, in a way they are. Those closest
to you may be involved in care elements, and are also there as a support
network. Tell them how you are feeling when they ask if you're okay, saying no
is a valid answer. Sharing the load makes it lighter.
Find Kindred Spirits
As explored above, there are bound to be support groups in
the local area that are set up to help people in a similar setup to yours. You
are not alone with this injury, and if you really are struggling to open up to
family or friends, finding someone who has been through a similar thing could be
a more appealing option. Shared trauma forges bonds that may naturally fizzle
out over time, or potentially stay forever. Whatever use you get out of it,
don't dismiss the idea outright.
One Day at a Time
The biggest frustration when trying to get back to normal is
how slow things may seem. Though things take time, a day will come when you
find more peace. Every part of your healing journey is relevant and important,
and each day you get up and go through the motions is a win. The one day at a
time method works, so don't spend too much time dwelling on the bigger picture
during those moments where everything feels helpless. The bigger picture can
wait. Today is the one to focus on.
Conclusion
Life after a brain injury looks different. Regardless of how severe the consequences of the accident, brain injuries often change things in both subtle and drastic ways. Being able to deal with those changes is a challenge, but not one that is insurmountable.
