Hi everyone.
TBI in 2012 and I feel great most of the time. I run two businesses alongside my wife and enjoy life.
I’m fit, healthy, active, love running and do public speaking for fun.
However, sometimes my world just falls apart like the flick of a switch.
The ones closest to me notice that my concentration is low, I struggle to follow simple instructions, I am snappy and get really low in emotion and self esteem.
Have been to Headway in the past and through doctors but don’t seem to be able to shake it.
My wife is frustrated quite a lot and frankly, I feel embarrassed and it’s hard to talk about.
I was very lucky following my brain injury and in the face of it, Joe Public wouldn’t know any different now. Being a positive person gives most people no reason to think otherwise
On the inside it is a different matter.
What do I do, where do I turn?
Dear Teynboy,
First and foremost it is good and so important that you recognize that this is a low point and that, like the other times you have felt something like this, it will pass.
Second good thing, you have reached out to others. There is so much experience among those on this site and they care so genuinely. You are sure to get good advice. And besides, we are rarely the best source of insights when we are feeling so low.
You are already doing so very much of what is usually recommended to people. It is little comfort right now, I know, but please take notice and congratulate yourself for pushing past all the pain and previous low points to exercise, engage in productive activities, be outwardly positive and inwardly so, too, most of the time! You are inspiring.
What will help you now may be different from what has helped you in the past. It may also be very different from what helped someone else. So please don"t worry if some of the advice seems to not apply well right now. For one person, getting a dog made all the difference, for others it was meditation or a change in diet. In addition to reading people's suggestions, please browse the titles of past posts like yours for the answers that people posted there.
You mention that you are embarrassed by these dark episodes and get snappy with those closest to you. If you could give them a signal that you know what is happening even if you cannot change it right now or talk about it, it might reduce the interpersonal issues that can arise. Sometimes humor is a good way to communicate a tough situation -- e.g. a photo of a cross lion and a "Teynboy will be back soon" sign. Something like this can be just enough to keep people from taking unintended slights as personally.
Wishing you a short stay in this low point. All the best,
Taia
Wow I love the idea of the humour picture. It is a horrible downward spiral sometimes and it’s certainly worth a try to try and snap out of it.
Exercise certainly is fantastic for me, it is a massive buzz and makes me feel alive.
Thank you, you’re right. We all have different side affects and symptoms but all advice is great.