mTBI - Willpower and Judgment vanished
 

(new to forum, thanks for reading. I'll post more later, its 5am!)

2 months ago I was rear ended and got my 4th concussion in my life, the only one to last longer than 2 days.

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Though getting better overall, but my willpower and judgment are... shot.

+I'm having serious trouble telling whether a decision I'm about to make is good or bad. It hasn't been too bad so far, but since I don't know that a bad decision is bad, and this applies to crossing the street and following doctor's orders, there's a lot of room for problems.

+I'm also unable to control my attention, and my willpower is worse than my 1yr old puppy's. I basically can't control myself from doing things- won't stop eating, browsing internet, pacing, saying dumb things, playing games... I'm helpless, its ridiculous.

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Anyway... I was wondering whether there's anything in specific I can do to help myself here. Its getting in the way of my restful recovery. I'm not usually like this...

(my writing is usually much more coherent too, sorry :o )

Is there a way to trick myself to behave, or strengthen my willpower for the next few weeks until I start hopefully getting back to normal?

Have you considered seeing a specialist who has experience with TBI? They could refer you for therapy and perhaps some meds related to attention and anxiety (the pacing and repeating stuff). I know you said this is your fourth concussion, it may take longer than a few weeks, so you might want to consider seeing a specialist.

Executive Functioning stuff like making decisions, sustained attention, impulse control are all hallmark issues for people suffering from concussion.

I saw a Rehab Psychologist who helped me work on some of these skills, such as decision making. I also participate in "cognitive therapy" via a speech therapist. He works on helping me plan out decisions and work on ways to strengthen impulse control etc.

Soak,
Sorry for your membership into mTBI and all that is so un-minor about its consequences.
It's good that you are aware and asking for help.
I just hope for you that you are in an area with actual head injury expertise available.
I was not, unfortunately. The cognitive therapy via speech therapist mentioned by SmilinEyes above is a good call. I wish you well in your recovery. Keep us posted.

I am concerned that this is your fourth TBI. Repeated TBIs, even "mild" ones, can lead to lingering problems.

If there was a method to trick oneself into impulse control and good judgement, I'd be thrilled. Sadly, I think we're out of luck on that one.

The good news is that you have enough self-reflection to know that your behaviour is suboptimal and unusual for you. Some TBI patients, no matter what they're getting up to, haven't got a clue that things aren't 100% okay.

The sooner you get yourself to a good TBI specialist, the better. In the interim, do you have a trusted friend or family member who could provide you with some oversight/guidance?

Good Luck

I'm in Calgary, Canada. I'm booked in to see 2 specialists, whichever becomes available first. However, it will be at least 6 months until I can get in because of wait lists.

Do you have any ideas for how to find a specialist that wouldn't have a wait list? I think that if I'm not better by the time I get in, then I'll sure wish I got in sooner...

I had someone, but she's leaving town for 3 months for work in a week.

My doctor heard me say I'm doing better than I was, so she says to "push myself" until I'm back to normal now. I'm really skeptical. I think a TBI specialist would be super helpful.

If you're GP is saying "push yourself," he/she, bluntly, knows squat about TBI. Mental and physical REST is the key to maximizing recovery. You're wise to be skeptical. Listen to your body.

Hockey is right on.

Isn't it strange how people are of the "you push through it whatever it is and you'll be all right" approach to everything in life?

"If the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail."

Got a second opinion, sorta kinda from another doc. Says to take it easy and do nothing that causes symptoms but to gradually increase activity within that guideline.

About the willpower, a tip I remembered from a while ago:

before I got into the accident, I was reading a book called Willpower. I didn't finish it before it happenend, but they said something in there about how neat & tidyness can have a big impact. I think the chapter I had started was saying that even aetheists who pray have better willpower. I'm not religious, but I wonder if there's some version of that that will help. Its by a guy named Baumeister, a researcher.

The tidyness has helped already.

Anyway, gonna log off a bit, get some rest. I have a cold today, posted a thread about it. It's killing me! lol

Willpower by Baumeister @ FSU
 

The new doc sounds like he may be good. I'm glad for you.

While familiar with Baumeister of FSU,I've not read the book.
I did attempt here to read online a NY Times article about it.
I could never get if they were speaking of willpower strictly in eating,
or in all areas of life. At any rate, yes, the habits of orderliness and neatness are important ones to hang onto. Glad you're fairing okay.