Handling confrontation since TBI? Has it changed?
 

Hi All,

I was confronted by a dr. Today and I broke into pieces. I don't do well will confrontation like I did prior to the accident.

Do any of you notice a difference in your handling of this type of situation?

Jace

Yes, I have definitely noticed a difference. Not all the time. If I am fatigued or headachey, my confrontational skills seem to drop out. When I am feeling "ok", then no problem.

Ditto
 

I either blow up or cry. Thank God 99% of my docs know what they are dealing with in me. Yesterday however...this creepo was talking to my service dog and whimpering at him. I put my head down because I couldn't deal w him and let Trip handle the situation. The guy kept it up, Trip (service dog) handled him by growling and then I yelled (not so good on my part) "leave us alone, he is doing his job and I haven't indicated at all that I would like to engage you, Leave us alone!"
I was done after that. I hate that stuff.

I think it's because when you sense confrontation your body goes into 'fight or flight' mode ready for action, part of which involves putting your brain onto high alert for any signs of threat, ready to react quickly to any danger.

So you involuntary start concentrating much harder on what is happening, and the brain has to work much harder to achieve this. That's how it felt to me anyway.

I found the best way to handle this is to try to stay relaxed, so that this fight or flight response doesn't happen. Deep breaths etc. Sometimes easier said than done of course!

I can't handle it at all anymore. I do feel that fight or flight feeling. I was in survival mode. All I could do was cry and my brain was good for nothing else.

I could only answer questions and didnt initiate during the visit which felt like it would last forever. Then I went home and cried all night and slept. Today I feel miserable about myself that I broke down.

I don't want others to think they can manipulate me or behave how they want because I resort to breaking down. I was definitely not like this before injury.

Very frustrating. Wondering if eventually I will react differently.

Thank you for your replies!

I'm the same way, actually I feel as though I'm a completely different person, I cry a lot or blow up and just cannot handle things the way I used to, everything is difficult and I feel as though my IQ has gone down:rolleyes:

My brain feels.....well, damaged which it is :rolleyes:
Definitely worse if I'm tired.

Some days during therapy I ask questions and at other times I just sit and stare trying to take everything in, then my headache gets worse...everything is hard, having a normal conversation and my reaction to it is so "off"

I have major changes since the concussion I either get VERY ANGRY, or I get overwhelmed by the stress that I will get major depressed.My behavior was terrible since I also established PTSD from the accident and fighting with M.D.s, lawyers etc.I have to do a 3 step cognitive behavior therapy.

Now at all cost I try my best to stay FAR AWAY FROM TOXIC ,NEGATIVE, STRESSFUL PEOPLE. I have learned in my therapy techniques to help me and now I am getting better at walking away.I was the combat queen that had a war in my mind that could of landed me in very bad situations.

This is another reason I grew to accept isolation in this lonely journey. I hope you the best!And maybe consider therapy to talk about stuff and get some help if you feel you might need it.:hug:Mia

Thanks everyone!

I was actually confronted by my therapist about situations outside of my control. I don't know that I feel comfortable going back. I'm supposed to trust this person with all my emotions, thoughts, and my disability.

I just don't think dr.s should vent on people recovering from a brain injury.

Not sure what to do. I very much liked this Dr. Prior to this.

I shut down with confrontation now. I don't remember the rest of the appt. I cried through the whole thing.

?

Jace