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Junior Member
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 46
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 46
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Much of what you describe sounds familiar. I pushed through for years and I paid the price. So did the people closest to me who had to deal with my anxiety and frustrated emotional outbursts due to the stress and disappointment that I couldn't do everything I used to.
I was a real bear to live with, till I backed off on my social activities. I generally don't go to restaurants anymore, and I usually bow out of company functions because all the activity puts me on edge, which sets me back for days afterwards.
Over time, I've learned how to find a balance -- show up to make an appearance at work functions, then excuse myself because of "another commitment."
Interestingly, when I use the "another commitment" reason -- as in, a commitment to myself and my well-being -- it puts me in a positive light. Folks see me as being super engaged and in-demand. So, my leaving early is admired, rather than resented.
Sometimes, it's all in how you frame things.
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What happened: Sustained mild TBI #9(+) in 2004 when I fell down a flight of stairs and smacked the back of my head on the steps. Knocked out briefly, then bounced back and resumed everyday life, as usual. Then things fell apart -- lost my job, friends disappeared, spouse became terrified of me, money flew out the window, and I had no idea it was all happening, or why. Finally put things together in 2007, when I was researching brain injury for a family member. Have been actively working with a neuropsych and recovering since late 2007, with amazing results I never thought possible.
I blog about this at
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Symptoms: fatigue, tinitis, sensitivity to light and noise and touch, insomnia, general pain, headache, attention issues, emotional lability, panic/anxiety, anger/rage spikes, confusion, difficulty hearing and understanding, slowed processing speed, limited short-term working memory, balance & vertigo issues, difficulty reading and learning new things, nystagmus and tremors when over-tired.
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