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Originally Posted by Xx_Not_Emo_xX
I actually do rehearse things in my head before I say them, even entire conversations and thinking of how to respond to anything the person might say. Mainly because of shyness/social awkwardness (possibly social anxiety) but I also want to know exactly what to say in case I have trouble saying or finding the words, especially with someone that's not family.
My family hasn't read the TBI Survival Guide, though I will when I have time (college semester starting soon. fun...lol). As far as the rest of my family, none of this is brought up, ever. Especially around my dad. It's like their huge dark secret that's not a secret anymore, but still never talked about. But, I'm basically an adult now (18 next month) I can deal with this myself. Well, I have to. Thanks for the reply and the links  |
Hi Not Emo,
I rehearse things in my head too a lot. Sometimes it helps and sometimes I feel like it makes me stumble more. Also, I can get so involved in rehearsing things in my head and planning before I speak, that I feel disconnected from what's going in that moment. So I try to balance it.
Sometimes, if words aren't coming to me the way I need them to- I say "I just need a little time to get my thoughts together" or "I'm thinking a lot about what you just said and want to convey my thoughts clearly...it may take me a little time to do that" or "I'll think about that more and let you know." If it's a friend or family member that knows about the brain injury, I may just say "my brain feels foggy, I'm hearing what you're saying. Don't have my words together yet." Then there are the times when I just say "my brain feels fried."
It sounds hard with the situation with your dad. Just because you're about to officially become an adult, doesn't mean you have to handle this all alone. I hope you have friends or professionals who can provide some caring support to you. A lot of people have difficulties with their families, for all sorts of reasons (whether they have a brain injury or not!) and it can help to have someone to talk to and work through this stuff with.
What types of things are you most concerned about people asking that you won't know the answers to?
-Hazzell