HOPE TBI

This is part 2 of a 2 part episode regarding the Tsunmai of emotions after a Brain Injury/Trauma and the Hurricane of extreme impulsivity that can result in anger, anxiety, depression, loss, and rage as a result of the injury itself.

Join us in part 1 of a 2 part episode while we talk about the things that can happen behind closed doors that we may not always see. Discussing Anger, Rage, and other intense emotions that can take us by surprise after experiencing a trauma or brain injury.

The sexual needs of a person after brain injury or Trauma is often not even considered or taken into account during the rehabilitative process; the endocrine and physiological changes that can take place as a result of a brain injury can alter a person's sexual life immensely.

The resulting changes that can occur and the result of those changes are explored in this episode.

Join us in part 1 of a 2 part episode while we talk about the things that can happen behind closed doors that we may not always see. Discussing Anger, Rage, and other intense emotions that can take us by surprise after experiencing a trauma.

Sexuality is one of the most complex aspects of life but, the sexual lives of people with disabilities have been disregarded and stigmatized for far too long. We have the ability through education and awareness to remove those stigmas and make sexuality a normal part of conversations, not just with our healthcare providers, but with each other as well.

Here are 12 ways that may help you manage your memory loss in a more functional way, helping to maintain as much dignity and independence as possible.

1. Make a memory board

2. Create a life story book, photo album or something digital that is labeled

3. Cognitive Stimulation

4. Utilize a reminder system

5. Lists

6. Use post-it/sticky notes

7. Use a mobile smartphone (cell phone)

8. Medicine/pill reminder box

9. Use an alarm clock, a watch with an alarm, or a kitchen timer

10. Never leave the room when you are cooking

11. Appointments and Meetings

12. Don't Procrastinate

Parents who have brain injuries often report that not only has their ability to carry out parenting roles been affected by their injury, but also their relationship with their children and what they can tolerate, has changed. 

Parents caring for a brain injured child, often struggle with finding a balance between being a parent or a medical caregiver.  Some parents have difficulty adjusting to the changes going on with their child because they may not be able to "see" an injury, feel helpless, or guilty.

Sometimes it is the changes in relationships that are the most difficult to adjust to.

Sometimes, as a mother, we can feel invisible.  We may feel misunderstood, not listened to, or like we can't be ourselves. All of this puts an enormous strain on relationships and our own self-esteem.  We just have to remember that doing the best we can is enough - even if what that "best" looks like changes from day to day, or moment to moment.  

Whether a survivor, caregiver, or provider - just embrace being THAT MOTHER

1. Vision Testing (Neuro-Opthalmologist/Optometrist)

2. Auditory Testing (hearing tests)

3. Speech Therapy

4. SPECT-CT

5. Rest 

Come and listen as we discuss important recovery steps after brain injury and what those steps entail.  This episode is also available as a blog post: http://hopetbi.com/2021/02/12/5-important-brain-injury-recovery-steps/

Following a concussion, the brain is often unable to function as well as it did prior to injury. This is why we typically see some difficulties with memory or academics. However, once the brain recovers there is no change in a person’s overall intelligence.  Just because someone has a brain injury, does not mean that they automatically lose their intelligence either.  A higher functioning individual who may have been "above average", may appear "average" after their brain injury, which can be misleading to the severity of their injury/symptoms.  The person with the brain injury knows they are not performing well, yet to a provider their results may show "average" testing which changes the services offered to the patient.

This is how misdiagnoses happen.  Making assumptions based solely on presumed intelligence is not a good marker for determining rehabilitation services that may be needed.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://hopetbi.com/2017/05/06/brain-injury-does-not-equal-lack-of-intelligence/

Adjusting to change when you are immersed in a PTSD moment can be a lot to traverse through.  Adjusting to last minute changes creates a vortex of emotions when you depend on that structured way of life to feel successful in your day, and it suddenly becomes unstructured.  This episode discusses the whirlwind of various types of change and what it is like to have anxiety added to it.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://hopetbi.com/2016/12/28/the-whirlwind-of-change-then-add-anxiety/