Traumatic brain injury, TBI, can cause a great deal of cognitive damage. You may have trouble with your memory or with doing tasks in order. Some of this damage can be improved with therapy and time, but some may be permanent. If you're struggling with emotional upset in the wake of TBI, it's important to determine the source of the upset so you can find help in rebuilding your emotional stability.

Identifying Cause

For many sufferers, the recovery period of TBI can include coming to grips with what you've lost. If you're getting frustrated with yourself or find that you get angry with those around you, determining the underlying cause of your emotional upset is critical. Is the brain injury causing the upset, or is it your frustration with understanding the new limitations on your life? Learning to understand and accept new limitations is key to moving forward and establishing your new life. Work with your therapy professionals to determine how to manage your new limitations to reduce your anxiety and frustration with the changes.

Don't Add More Stress

It's important for your family and friends to understand the changes you're facing and to be patient about any frustration you're working through. While your kids may not be able to understand your new stressors and your efforts to manage them, adults in your circle must be willing to accept your limitations. You may need to apply for financial assistance or seek additional financial input from your spouse. Money worries will not help. Find ways to reduce the costs associated with care.

Lighten Your Load

One big challenge for TBI sufferers comes when they are overloaded or flooded with decisions that need to be made. Being in a constant state of overwhelm can cause terrible anxiety. Having too much to think about will have a big impact on your ability to make decisions, whether big or small. Work with family, friends and professional help to simplify your life. Do what you can to reduce deadlines and workload pressure. These simplifications can include laying out your clothes before you go to bed or setting out what you need to make breakfast the night before. TBI stress impacts both the sufferer and their community. If you have suffered a TBI and your family and friends can't understand the changes you're struggling to manage, seek a support group that can provide you with communication options to share your struggle. You are not alone, and you deserve support.

If you need help, get help! Meet with a professional counselor to ease your burdens!