Emotions

[Rosebud40]

Hi, sorry haven't been on for a while have been quite busy. Does any one know much a out emotions after TBI.

My emotions have been all over the place. Take today for example. I should be feeling good because our kitchen refit is coming along well, but all I can focus on is that it's taken us nearly all day to get the quettle tap in. On top of that my new washer drier is not drying stuff as well as I thought it would. Then the man at the Chinese got my order wrong and I ended up throwing a tantrum outside there . And on top of all that the bag youngest needs for school next week was supposed to arrive yesterday but it still hasn't and the seller won't do anything until at least Saturday, so I ordered a new one from a different company and that's not coming until Saturday so now I'm worried she either will have 2 or won't have one at all.

Sorry for so much after so long away. Just needed to get it off my chest and knew you guys would hopefully understand. Xx

[AndrewT]

Dear Rosebub40,

I don't think, that I, 'know you but still..... First of all, you are NOT, 'doing' anything unusual- no honestly! You are having, quite major 'Works' carried out, on your KITCHEN- of course you are 'Worried' about the Water (taps). The problem, with your daughter's bag, is just 'One of those 'things'.'...under Normal circumstances! However these are, definitely Not that, and, Yes It IS, hard to Cope. Couple this with 'all the usual 'Major Works Worries', I'm surprised your not 'Climbing The Walls', quite frankly!

Now, whist I'm NOT telling 'what to do', but just listen a minute..... Your Daughter's bag, is Not a major issue- a couple of days, without one, won't harm her (it might upset, her Teacher, but that's about it). If your Drier, continues to give 'Problems', contact the Manufacturer (or supplier) and have it 'looked at'. As regards your 'Tantrum', outside the Take Away, 'serves him right', your Under Stress, and he got it wrong.... no need to feel guilty! As regards, your Emotions, being 'all over the place'.... I'm NOT surprised, so would ANYONE'S be!

Now, do as you are being Told..... sit down, with a Cuppa and have 'good cry' if you want to, then Think about your Situation. Your in a Part Built kitchen and have a Daughter, who needs a new School Bag. However..... Your quite Safe, no-ones harming you, you are Just 'Feeling' rather, how can I put this, Out Of Joint, and rather Overwhelmed by it all.... NOT a crime, not by a long chalk.

Am I telling you 'not to worry'? No, not exactly, I'm just trying to put 'Things', into perspective, that's all. I'm not Prying but, if you are having Headaches, Period Pains, Tummy Troubles or similar, then Your BOUND to feel more 'under pressure' than normal Rosebud40.

Beyond this, I can only say this.... if you want/ need, any more advice/ support, we are ALL here, for you, Rosebud40. Please Do contact us again, should you feel the need.

Sending you, all our, very best wishes

AndrewT

[Marnie22]

Have a look online for information on emotional lability following brain injury.

My ABI was almost four years ago. I thought I was just not adjusting well until I found out that it can be a consequence of some brain injuries that the part of the brain that regulates emotions can be damaged and not work properly. I am like a three year old who can't have sweets sometimes. I know what is happening but I can't stop it. I can be fine one minute and then be laughing madly or in despair the next. I know it's not 'real' emotion but it still affects me badly. I tried mood stabilising medication from my doctor but stopped it because it made me feel dull and flat.

I don't know if I am stuck with it forever, I am just trying to deal with it daily, although as an adult it can make me feel stupid, so I have to remind myself that it's the injury causing it. It's not my fault.

Hope that's not too depressing! 🌸😮

[Rosebud40]

Hi,

Thanks for replying. I suppose I find it difficult as I sometimes don't think of my injury as having been that bad (car boot to back of head, no loss of conciseness, no fluid on brain and only 5 days in hospital). I have an endocrinology appointment in March so hopefully will get more answers then. Xx

[Marnie22 in reply to Rosebud40]

Don't underestimate the injury you had. It's very hard to judge the consequences of any injury as it can be very individual. Have you tried the Headway helpline? Talking with them might be just the thing. They have helped me numerous times - they have such a lot of experience. I didn't want to call them straight after my injury, I thought my problem was not serious enough. They were brilliant. They know exactly what to find out from you to answer what you need to know. The number is 0808 800 2244. Please don't just rely on the NHS, you will get more and better information from Headway in my experience.

All the best.🌸🙂

[bonfire in reply to Rosebud40]

Car boot to back of head? Ouch!

[Rosebud40 in reply to bonfire]

Yep, extremely painful. Xx

[paxo05]

Hi .

As others have said don't be so hard on yourself. We all have a meltdown now and again.

I definitely can't preach or judge.

Life can be annoying. Just count to ten and breath slowly.

As the saying goes " change what you can .. have the power to accept what you cant"

Having said that I find it hard at times to follow my own advice.

When a situation becomes to stressful to cope with try removing yourself from that situation for a moment. It may still be there after you calm down...But at least you will be calm.

Pax

[Pairofboots]

Emotional disturbance or changes or common with brain injury, and anything that may effect blood flow to the brain, so even heart surgery can disturb emotions.

In some cases these eventually settle down by themselves, other times it might be that psychological intervention can help you to relearn to control the emotions, in other cases the part of the brain that controls emotions is so damaged that medication is needed.

Also lability can be a sign of other conditions such as depression, or neuro-psychiatric syndrome, big word, but don't be frightened by it. It is an acquired mental health disorder, no you are not mad, but it needs a neuro-psychiatrist to help, instead of a general psychiatrist. The symptoms may manifest similar to general mental health problems, but because they are as a consequence of an injury, they need someone who can put two and two together.

Hope that makes sense.

[Hipchick09]

Hun my Husband has had a TBI, it was mostly a frontal lobe injury and this has affected his emotions very much. Main one being his zero tolerance and having no filter. Small things are big concerns for him now and he gets very frustrated. I hope you find strategies that work for You to help you. Take care.

Tracey