Brain Injury Support Group
Traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden trauma causes brain damage. TBI can result from a closed head injury or a penetrating head injury. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. Outcome can be anything from complete recovery to permanent disability or death. A coma can also affect a child's brain.
I am lucky, my wife has been here to help me all the way. I am grateful. While at a rehab center I came across others who were not so fortunate. They had lost their spouses and significant others. I know I would be probably be homeless without my wife's support.
The problem I have is with other family members and friends. I guess I make then uncomfortable to be around. I don't think I bring them down by being negative I try very hard to keep positive.
I am just tired of being overlooked or forgotten by so many people in my life.
The problem I have is with other family members and friends. I guess I make then uncomfortable to be around. I don't think I bring them down by being negative I try very hard to keep positive.
I am just tired of being overlooked or forgotten by so many people in my life.
I live in another country to my family but they are still there for me.
i've taken it as a challenge though. Not everyone is up for that but when I'm not down I relish it and have to say i am quite good at going out and meeting new people.
I miss having people who really know me well. People who knew me before but I guess it doesn't matter. I am who I am now and I better get on with it.
I've had a few friends i have got to know since my injury who became close friends but then got bored of me and pretty much dumped me.
Yeah like you although I try to stay upbeat I can't help but sound miserable at times. I'm not actually depressed and that is a blessing and to make sure I don't fall into it I keep myself going all the time.
I find working out helps me and I also have 2 volunteer jobs which I really like. I do hope to get a paying job again at some stage but right now its not so easy to get any job especially a job with special conditions which is what I need.
I live for the future. I have convinced myself that there will be a brighter day.
I also refuse to let myself talk about what I want too with people I like because I have seen what happens. Its sad to think about but such is life. I never pretend everything is fine but I just try not to talk to much about it. Maybe that will mean I am never fully myself with new friends but you know in some ways its just good to have people that you can hang out with.
I think in time I will have far less problems anyway. Just waiting to find work, it could be nice if I met someone too and I think you will get there too. I do know how you feel when you just want someone who you can talk too and someone who understands and knows you but as it just annoys people and really I do understand and mean this in the best possible way. Try and keep it for the professionals and try to be more lighthearted with your friends and family. Of course keep them posted on how things are going for you but don't let it be the only thing you talk about. It does annoy them and as sucky as that is thats life.
Please feel free to come on here and chat about anything you ever want too as we won't ever get bored and there are plenty people on here who understand and want to help out.
Making new friends as Nat said is probably the way to go.
Well it is good to know that others feel the same way as I do. I have made new friends but they always keep a distance between us. More noticeable to me.
I think the key is to let people know that brain injured people need more attention and hugs than regular people.
I guess it is their loss not mine.
I've actually heard a few times that some people don't like to hear heavy things as in don't talk about what happened.
I don't get that I try not to talk about it when its not appropriate but at the same time I don't think i should cover it up. I think people are afraid of offending us at times so then just avoid us when all we really need as you said mrdillon5 is a little more hugs and love.
Unfortunately, there's no edit/delete button on here, which is kind of annoying. I want one! LOL
Mr. Dillon - thanks for starting this post. And I liked this sentence you just wrote so VERY much:
"I think the key is to let people know that brain injured people need more attention and hugs than regular people."
I was SO needy after I was injured. I mean, yes, I was physically in need of some things - i.e. my husband had to hold me up to keep me from falling over. But, more importantly, emotionally, I was so needy for such a long time. I feel like I'm finally getting some of my old emotional strength back.
Brain injuries are a very lonely journey. Even when you have support (like on here), it's just damn hard.
Nat - I have learned to keep it to myself but often just let it out. My gatekeeper still not working as well as I would like. It is often a conversation ender. But on the good side I come across people with similar challenges because of a head injury or they love someone who has had a TBI and they understand me. Unfortunately there are not many people who do understand TBI.