[xxxxcrystalxxxx]

Thanks everyone for all the wonderful inputs on this site. I dont input too much but I do read and get alot out of it.

This is my question. How do I find happyness admist all this confusion. I see a psychotherapist, psychiatrist and a occupational rehab specialist. This has helped me answer some questions but I keep being told...time. It takes time. Meanwhile its been 15 months and though I am improving I still have major issues to work out. I dont go out much and prefer the quietness of home. I was told to ease back into activities and I can sustain an hour or so before my head starts whooshing and I get hot and sweaty. I know it's anxiety related. I dont want to be on Xanax four times a day. Thats just outrageous! It feels like I would become addicted to the Xanax. I dont see how that's going to help.

I look at Mark in Idaho and envy his stance and understanding. I guess my question for him is how? How do you remain so strong? My question goes out to everyone. I would love tips on what keeps you guys happy and moving forward instead of living with frustration and moving backwards.

I thank you for reading and look forward to your responses.

[rmschaver]

For myself I have the same struggles. The neuro wrote in his notes that I am fixed on my deficits, DUH. I felt that even though I was explaining same symptoms over and over I also was told that it would take time. What I realized was any happiness I might find was going to be in the small moments.

I have had to make an effort to not focus on the negative. I was very active, considered the top of my department and highly aware. Now I am very different and not able to do what was once easy. But considering the positives in my life however small. Noticing those whose circumstances are much worse than mine. I have slowly been able to find more and more happy moment however small.

Talk your struggles out it is part of the process. Do not bottle your feelings up. Here you will find acceptance and understanding.

My best to you.

[Theta Z]

crystal,

I tried to post a reponse/reply to your post, and twice now it's been 'eaten' and failed to post. This is just a quick reply to say, I will successfully post again to you. Meanwhile, thinking of you.

Love,
Theta

[Twinkletoes]

I'm sorry your smile is broken, crystal.

Please feel better and keep trying.

[Theta Z]

I would not presume to speak for anyone else here, i.e. those of us actively dealing with, trying to cope with tbi-pcs ... however, I for one have just gotta say it: all the whirly-twirly-action smilies doo-dahs and all that whirling-dervish crap, well it just makes my head spin, my head hurt, my eyes hurt, and well, frankly, folks, it makes me ill. So, I for one would appreciate all the moving-action smilies, action-icons, whirling-dervish doo-dahs-add-ons please be deleted!?!

Anyone else here getting sick of the sensation-??

P.S. I already politely PM'd the OP, but 'doesn't get it' apparently.

[Klaus]

For me it was mainly about stoppping sad or stressful thoughts as soon as they entered my head, not trying to reason with them or consider them, just saying 'no, I shouldn't go there'. I think stress is physiologically very bad for our compromised brains and trying to supress it and stay emotionally stable is important, though obviously difficult. Better to feel flat than to get into that whirlwind of stress and worry.

Also trying to find things I could do that still brought enjoyment. So at certain stages I couldn't read a book or watch tv without consequences but I could listen to an audiobook, so I got a load of audiobooks from itunes. For a while I couldn't do pubs, bars, clubs etc but I could go birdwatching with a friend in a quiet place. Think of things you might enjoy that are within your current capabilities and do them every now and then, to keep some pleasure in your life.

Also your post reminded me of a silly but somehow very comforting little thing I read recently:

I have lost my smile,
But don't worry.
The dandelion has it.

If you have lost your smile and yet are still capable of seeing that a dandelion is keeping it for you, the situation is not too bad..... The dandelion is one member of your community of friends. It is there, quite faithful, keeping your smile for you.