Life after Head Injury

10 Tips to Surving Head Injury

Carer

1. Share responsibility of care with other family members whenever possible. Talk to professionals and friends about the problems you are having; "don't bottle it up". Group/individual counselling and respite breaks are recommended.
2. Try to keep the person you are caring for motivated. Giving clear and concise instructions will help with communication difficulties.
3. The brain heals itself very slowly; so don't expect a huge recovery in the short-term.
4. Stay calm and try to act as normal as possible as this will help the person with the injury feel at ease.
5. It is very important for the carer to take whatever steps are necessary to stay healthy to enable them to fulfill the role of carer.

Person with Injury

1. Don't compare yourself to any other person with a head injury. Every head injury is different.
2. Have patience and allow yourself time to recover and don't try to do too much too soon. The healing process cannot be rushed.
3. If you have memory problems keep a diary / personal organiser and seek professional help, it is available. The simple things work the best.
4. Stay positive and try to focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses.
5. Avail of oppertunities to get out and about and meet people to keep your spirits up.

Effects of ABI on the Family

1. When a member of your family acquires a brain injury the family unit can be drastically affected. Therefore you can expect some or all of the following issues to arise:
2. Feelings of Stress, Grief, Anger, Denial and Panic are all normal.
3. Lack of understanding from relatives, friends and even some medical personnel of the hidden effects of Brian Injury.
4. Personality changes that are sometimnes only obvious to the immediate family.
5. Feelings of helplessness and isolation because the injuries are so complex.
6. Changes in marital and sexual relations
7. Coping with the loss of a parent or sibling (as a child once knew) can be a major challenge for any young person.

Benefits of Counselling and Networking with other carer's.

1. Counselling allows people to express their feelings and concerns regarding their relative in a supportive environment.
2. It helps to share information about brain injury and how it affects people in so many different ways.
3. It helps develop and strenghten coping strategies.
4. It helps carers and family members feel that they are not alone.
5. It allows carer's and family the space to release some of the frustration that surrounds the teerrible trauma associated with brain injury.
6. It plays a very importnant role in helping the family survive through the many difficulties they encounter as a result of ABI.