Traumatic Brain Injury Tips for Families

Traumatic Brain Injury. Even the words cause people to cringe with anxiety and concern. But, there are practical ways of coping with traumatic brain injury--strategies that families can use to support and empower someone they love with this condition. One thing is certain about TBI: it's very challenging to cope with, because both the person with the injury and the family often face difficulties they are completely unprepared for. The positive side of TBI is that there are great supports out there in almost every community: TBI websites, TBI organizations and conferences. No one needs to be alone.

Patience is a virtue. Every family with a member who copes with traumatic brain injury will need to be patient, with themselves and the person who suffers the consequences. Recovery from TBI is usually slow, painful and difficult.

Knowledge is power. The more you know about TBI symptoms and the more you understand how it affects a person's behavior, emotions, memory, ability to learn and even their personality is going to help you. Remember, TBI can change a person's personality and when you understand how and why these changes occur, the better able you'll be to cope.

You're not alone. There are lots of different support groups for people with TBI and their families. Support groups can provide a space to talk about our feelings, our worries, concerns, anxiety, fears and frustration. These emotions are common. It's hard to see someone we love suffer and struggle. TBI can put a strain on family relationships. Support groups let us vent and they help us to understand the process. Try not to do everything yourself. There are many TBI experts--doctors, counselors, psychologists, neuro-psychologists and other professionals who can help you come to terms with the situation and plan for the future.

Good planning and time management go a long way. People with TBI often have difficulties with time management, organizing themselves and basic planning. If the family is disorganized around them, life will become difficult. Using practical tools like a family calendar, personal planning tools and dividing up duties and responsibilities, making sure everyone knows what is expected of them will help the family and the person with TBI.

Communication is key. When a family stops communicating about important issues, problems can set in. Talk about the issues bothering people. Discuss your feelings, your concerns, your worries and your hopes for the future. Let the family member with TBI know that the family is open to talking about the problems they face.

Never stop having hope. People with TBI can have a future. People with TBI can still return to work. Some do but some don't. TBI is a manageable condition and you can cope with it. Let the family member know you care and you still believe that even with TBI there is a future.

Consider family counseling. Many families find TBI family counseling extremely helpful. It lets people vent their feelings, express concerns, discuss worries, explain fears and frustrations. A person with TBI will likely need counseling in order to help them understand and cope. There are many

Life goes on. Don't let TBI become the family focus. If it does, the family will have trouble coping because other issues and problems will be ignored. The family goes on and continues to love and support each other. The family member with TBI must learn to let others have their troubles and successes, just as they do.

These are just a few traumatic brain injury tips that can help families coping with TBI. There are numerous books, articles and stories available to inspire. Some of these books are written by TBI survivors and/or their families. People coping with TBI can get the support they need through information, community services and the support networks they develop for themselves.

A final note on tips for coping with TBI. Many times we use a strategy but somehow we forget it down the road. So, when you come across a technique, idea or strategy that helps--write it down so that you know success is possible. Each small success leads to bigger success and that leads to a path of hope.

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