Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
Hello,
I'm 36 years old. I'm still recovering from a TBI that occurred 3 years ago now. I was taking meds in doses not to be mixed with alcohol, I had done 1 dose and didn't feel anything whatsoever, did my second and woke up in a hospital bed 1.5 months later with absolutely no recollection of what had occurred or why I was even there. I had fallen down a flight of stairs which then my injury occurred. I have concluded that I did my second dose of this med the night prior. I now wear a leg brace and walk with a cane, I have a knot on my leg and the doctors have concluded that it's all because of my head injury. I had been working as a chef in the restaurant industry for 20+ years. I have lost my identity and career as such and it is so very painful, embarrassing and shameful. I'm just trying to figure out how to get back into a kitchen and career as a position and title that has and did in fact give me reason and purpose to exceed in my life in numerous forms and manners.
When there's something wrong with your brain, even a TBI, it's really out of wack, and if it ever does get back to normal, it will take years.
I was a different person also. Very successful (worked in law firms) and I used to make a lot of money, and I had a ton of things going on for me. I was a rising star. Since my surgeries, I had trouble with keeping jobs. It took me years and years to accept it, and I have a different life now, but I'm okay, I'm doing it and I'm surviving. It could have been much worse, I could have died on the operating table or became a vegetable upon waking up from the surgery.
Like you, I sure miss my past life. But my advice to you is, if you're looking to go back somewhat to the way your job and career was, it may be different like mine is now. You can try, like I did, put yourself out there, but don't take it too hard if there are disappointments. You can't expect to be the same after what you went through.
I ALWAYS say to myself "It could always be worse" and yes it could. I wish you all the luck in the world.
I’m sorry about your experience. I know a bit about what you’re going through. I had to retire early because of a prior illness. It’s very painful. I coped by taking classes through the community college and volunteering. You’re young, so part time work may be something you would consider later. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I’m here if you need to chat. God bless. He’ll help you through this. He helped me..
Blessings.