anyone else happier post TBI???

[JULIETstevens]

I don't mean to be insensitive to those who aren't, but I am actually finding i'm happier post TBI than pre TBI. I hate being disabled, but life is good and i'm enjoying my new life, ehich i've filled with activities in the community and hobbies. Soes anyone else find themselves happy and contented with life post TBI? OR AM I A FREAK??? JULIET XXX

[lcd8]

Hi Juliet. Great to hear such a positive attitude. I really admire you. I'm in a completely different position as I was born with my BI (its congenital). So I've always been the same and don't have the 'before and after' that many TBI sufferers get. I think I'm a very positive person as well though. Despite knowing my life could get much worse in the future I'm incredibly thankful that up until now my BI hasn't really affected me that much. I do have some related deficits and can sometimes identify with things others say in this site. I really don't want to say anything that will offend others as I know that a lot of people are suffering horribly and dealing with such a lot every day. But I also feel as if keeping a positive attitude helps me stay well.

[JULIETstevens in reply to lcd8]

that's great to hear that you're positive too and i'm not so wierd being happy. Why are you so happy? I am because i now get to pursue my dream and live the life of an author, rather than that of a successful lawyer. Coffee morning, art club, church and family time along with my creative writing have led me back to happiness. How about you? how did you find happiness again post TBI? JULIET XXX

[lcd8 in reply to JULIETstevens]

Good for you. That all sounds really great and pleased you have found some new and positive life experiences. I'm not sure about myself to be honest. I'm just quite a positive and self-motivated person. And as I said I haven't got the sensation of being different before or having lost anything. Because I've always been the same - apart from knowledge (when my BI was diagnosed I was a teen and shocked but also strangely relieved that I had a diagnosis. As I've got older I've just accepted that this is part of me. I have great friends, work and family and they help me through.

Lulu

x

[JULIETstevens in reply to lcd8]

that's great that you have supportive family and friends. that's key to a good recovery... along with motivation and hard work. I'm on anti-depressants, but my mood is still up anddown, declaring my happiness one minute, crying the next. Given the diagnosis early in your life, what doo you plannow for the future? don't let it hold you back. i've learnt to adjust my life around the illness,not my illness around my life. Do you have any coping suggestions? juliet

[lcd8]

Hi again. It must be so hard to cope with 'up and down' mood-swings. Do you do anything to help you with these? Or is it just a case of working through the low points? I think my friends/family struggle with the mental knowledge of my condition more than I do. Many people just don't want to talk about it. Maybe they're worried about offending or perhaps it reminds us how fragile life is, I'm not sure. Anyway it is what it is. I've accepted that I can't/won't change it by worrying or letting it get me down. My first hospital consultant (way back) told me to go and 'live my life as if I never knew about this'. Yeah, like its that easy! Still, I've managed to study, build a bit of a career, have a family and take life as it comes. I know what you mean about adjusting life around your illness rather than the other way round though. That sounds amazing advice and I completely agree. I think when it all gets a bit much though you have to accept that and be kind to yourself without feeling bad about it. There isn't a person in this world without any worries/problems. Best wishes. Lulu

[JULIETstevens]

thanks for your response. I appreciate what you say- that everyone has their own problems and bagage and I guess that helps. Would I rather be dead, or would I rather have gone through this trauma instead? that's what I ask myself when I feel down. Well, I always answer that I'd rather have gone through this trauma and got to see my children grow and spend my lifew with the people I love. I hope you're coping okay and are managing to find some comfort and happiness in this new world. Juliet x

[Deebomb]

I don't know if I'm happier as I've always been happy but definitely more appreciative and less stressed about minor things, excluding when meno-rage kicks in 😋

[JULIETstevens]

hi deebomb. great to hear from you and so nice to hear that you're doing well and are appreciative of life. I too became appreciative. I was looking for community axctivities to get me out, meeting people and back in the real world. I do find that my family tend to treat me like i have learning difficulties though, which upsets me because i used to be so intelligent pre TBI- a partner in a law firm with two 2:1 degrees. I am trying to forge anew career as an author now though, which i'm loving, though i may be the only one to read my work!. How do you fill your time now? hobbies/work?