I just need some advice a couple years ago I fell down a flight of stairs and smoked my head hard and I've felt different ever since . The smallest things seem complicated or overwhelming and I get stressed very easily . I am having a really hard time remembering things short term and work is just a disaster because I forget how to do things and have trouble staying on task . If anyone has advice on what to do I would greatly appreciate it as I may quit my job since its going so terrible and I'm afraid I won't be able to function well enough to be working in the first place , I feel helpless and just need some advice and support .

Thanks
Keltie

Keltielin,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear you are struggling.

Have you had any testing done ? A NeuroPsychological Assessment would be the most beneficial. It tests to see how you brain works with memory, cognitive processing, executive functioning, etc.

Have you had struggles previously or did it all just manifest recently ?

It would help to know a little more about you. Age, education/work history, changes in living situation, illnesses, etc.

Minor head injury issues can be made much worse by life stressors like emotional stress, illness, poor diet, traumas, etc. So, what could have been a minor issue in the past could be made much worse by these other stress factors.

So, Please feel free to introduce yourself. There are good people here.

My best to you,

Mark

Keltie,

Welcome.

Take a breath and answer some of Marks questions. He is pretty good at steering people in a calm manner as well as others here.

I don't mean take a breath sarcastically....it is real important to calm down hear before any decisions.

Bud

Sure I would love to share I'm 26 years old and as a kid I was really active and had like no fear however I was suspected of having ADD . I always struggled with learning but other then that I was normal and happy . It wasn't until I moved out and took the dental assisting program that I became stressed and not myself this is when the anxiety started to get worse , however the symptoms I'm experiencing now I didn't experience before my accident like the memory issues or getting overwhelmed by things that used to be easy . I live in an appartment with my boyfriend but wished I lived in a house because my parents helped my brother get a house and this frustrated me ... Sorry I'm rambling but I'm waiting on a referral to a neurologist so I pray I get the call soon because I feel I'm close to getting fired from work or quiting and I'm tired of avoiding the world because of my symptoms . So that's basically it and to make things more complex I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder last year with a possible add diagnosis but I just know these other symptoms are a result of my injury . What should my first step be ? Thank you for listening to me I appreciate it

Thank you for sharing your situation.

BiPolar meds could be complicating your symptoms. ADD meds can also be stressors. I doubt a neuro will be of much help. Most are not. Maybe you can ask your psychiatrist for a referral to a NeuroPsychologist for an NeuroPsych Assessment. Many of us have had them and they are very good at helping us understand what is up.

I don't fully understand your timeline. Was your anxiety up before your concussion ?

A timeline of your life events, changes at work, injuries and onset of symptoms, diagnoses and start or change of meds would be helpful. We can learn a lot about our symptoms and causes by charting these things. Unfortunately, doctors don't usually take the time to sort through these issues. Most of us have found that we need to take charge of understanding our symptoms because the doctors often just don't take them as seriously as we need them to.

A dental office can be sensory intense. Wearing earplugs can help. Most earplugs do not substantially change the ability to hear close voices.

Yes I think if I made a timeline that would be super helpful . I think my anxiety started in high school I was bullied but the anxiety I'm experiencing now is far worse to the point I don't want to leave the house . I am being referred to a neuro doctor so hopefully I can go there soon in the meantime I am concerned cuz I'm experiencing things at work and am on thin ice , should I ask my psychiatrist for sick leave tell I get better then search for a job i actually like ?

Does your job even offer extended sick-leave ? Usually, when you work for a small employer like a dental office, they need to replace any worker who cannot maintain a regular schedule.

What are you expecting or hoping the neuro can do ?
It is likely that a neuro will just do some tests to rule out anything serious. I doubt a neuro will do anything more. I seriously doubt a neuro will be able to help you with your struggles at work.

Again, getting a referral to a NeuroPsychological Assessment will be most beneficial.

Do you have anxiety because you do not like your job ? Is it the work/tasks, the office environment (noise, etc) or the office culture (annoying people)?

No I'm not sure if my work even offers sick leave , I guess I was hoping the neuro could find out if brain damage has occurred and give me some type of therapy . I just generally don't like my job .. I don't like the tasks and struggle to follow through with things because I don't understand how to complete the task . I'm having trouble keeping up and not getting along with my co worker so it's causing me to feel sick when going to work , the other day I got so anxious thinking of all the things I've done wrong and how much I don't like my job that I went to a doctor got anti anxiety pills and went home . I'm trying to search for a new job but its hard to find something that pays the same . I feel trapped like I'm stuck to drown in this current job and don't know what to do to improve things . What is your story how do you cope with the stressors of life ?

A neuro will not be much help. There is not any therapy that will help until you get a NeuroPsych Assessment to see what is going on with your brain. You really need to get assessed. After this much time has passed since your concussion, any damage would be difficult to diagnose as from the fall.

Where are you ? Country, State/province, city. Maybe we can direct you to good local help.

Do you have access to a State Vocational Rehab Agency ? Sometimes, they can help direct you to a job that you can do. They may be able to help you with some training.

I think I will see this specialist and see what tests will be run and I've never heard of that rehab place you talk about .. I'm in edmonton ab and there is not a lot they can do for the mentally ill which is unfortunate , I explained the situation to my work and they are relieving some of my stress load to see if that helps otherwise I will look for a new Job and part ways . In the meantime I'm just concerned I feel like I have Alzheimer's disease just the way I get overwhelmed , forgetful , slower mind , irritated easily , etc . I have bought books on brain injury to try to cope . Any other advice you have to offer ?