The good news, such as it is, is that you are very early in your recovery. One can never say with certainty, but the odds are overwhelming that you will see improvement in the days ahead.

In the interim, it's great that you are being attentive to things, like diet. Rest as much as you can and try (I know it's hard) not to worry too much.

You didn't mention where you live, but there may be a brain injury support group in your area; the Brain Injury Association may have one listed in your state. Take your mom and/or other family members with you.

http://www.biausa.org/state-affiliates.htm

I wish. My family is already annoyed with having to deal with me as it is. TOUGH LOVE.

I feel you, Julia. Fear/anxiety about my future is a huge part, especially given that I am yet to find a partner(which my folks are only too eager to remind me). It will crush my elderly mother if I tell her I cannot go back to my job yet. I had a huge fight with her to no avail, a couple of days ago regarding her attitude about my injuries, and I think something died in me that night. Seriously, I have been feeling different ever since. I just hope what does not kill me makes me stronger instead of leaving me more broken and damaged.

Thank you for sharing what you have here. I have lived with the affects of a traumatic brain injury and an invisible disability for nearly 48 years. I have come to realize that denial can be like a warm blanket that people use to avoid having to feel their feelings. I have found that some people do not know how to feel their feelings.

Some people do not want to feel their feelings, so for them remaining in denial is a softer way. Other people realize -- either consciously or unconsciously that they would have to make changes if they stopped denying our realities. For them making changes is too.... I have found that trying to make people feel or change is some thing I am powerless over. With this painful reality, I have come to realize that I am the one who needs to get comfortable in my own skin.

To do this I have had to learn to accept myself in my reality, before I could stop fighting against myself. This has and continues to be a process for me *edit*



I look forward to hearing from you.

Have a great day and fun with your time.

Craig

Will.....

willgardner,
your post reminded me of something I read recently so I went back and found it. Maybe you've read it before and if you have, I'm sorry for posting it again.

http://sojo.net/blogs/2014/01/13/new...d-about-trauma

Read down to #9 and #10, that was the part that triggered the memory for me.

As for getting emotional support from others (family, friends), I've pretty much given up on trying to get that. I just try to accept that its difficult for people to understand things they are not familiar with and have not experienced.

And I try to remember that when dealing with that with others. I've started asking the question "What is it like for you to have xyz?" when they complain about their problem.

The biggest thing I've learned, is people just want to be heard and acknowledged about what they are experiencing. They don't want pity or someone to fix them (necessarily), they just generally want someone to hear their pain and acknowledge that its real and its shitty. They want to know they aren't alone.

The easiest way to get emotional support IMO is to pay for it. Find a good therapist and see them regularly. Its not the same as family and friends and in some ways that's a good thing... its way more dependable and its help with the proper training that doesn't have emotional investment in the relationship, so it can just be about you.

I've been seeing a rehab psychologist since about 6 months after my injury and have found her to be very valuable for many different things. Partly she helps coordinate different aspects of my rehab schedule, but she also keeps on eye on the emotional side of things and is helping me work through the acceptance part and the moving forward and "where do I go from here" stuff.

Its money well spent. Without her guidance, I wouldn't want to guess where I'd be at right now. My life is still filled with anger, upset and frustration, but having someone to help guide me through it is helpful.

Starr

Mark, you are too kind. What you said means a lot.

Craig, thanks for the wisdom.

Sitke, thanks for the support.

Starr, thanks for the article. It was well-written. I enjoyed it.

Craig,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

Please feel free to introduce yourself and tell us about your injury and how you have overcome your struggles.

I see you are involved as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.

Your educational struggles sound familiar.

So, welcome and please introduce yourself