brain injury and anger

Hi, I'm new here - my partner had a major brain injury a year ago. Was recovering well but now the anger is really bad. Is this normal? also has begun to abuse alcohol to deal with the impact

[Marnie22]

Hi. I suffered a brain injury in hospital over four years ago. I had terrible episodes of overwhelming anger when I couldn't eat or sleep. Sometimes these episodes would last for a couple of days at a time. Knowing that anger can result from a brain injury, I tried to get help. Eventually I saw a neuropsychologist who diagnosed me with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. At that stage I didn't know what was causing the anger - the injury or the PTSD. It took a long time, but I started EMDR therapy with a psychologist. To my amazement, this therapy has transformed everything and the episodes of anger don't happen any more. I still have emotional lability, where I suddenly get intense emotions out of the blue, (including anger,) but it's not as powerful and it doesn't last anywhere near as long, (usually an hour or two.)

This may not be the case for your situation, but I wanted to mention it.

I would recommend calling the Headway helpline on 0808 800 2244 as they will be able to give relevant advice and support.

All the best. 🙂🌸

[Pairofboots]

Hi. Anger is fairly common following a brain injury. This can be frightening for you and your partner. Obviously you feel like the anger is directed at you, and it maybe, you hurt the one's closest.

But to you partner, it can be frightening, especially if this is a complete change in personality. Emotional control can be a casualty of the brain injury. It would be worth getting neuro input.

Self medicating with alcohol, because that is what your partner is doing. Unfortunately alcohol in moderation can help you relax, but alcohol is a depressant, so it will just make things worse. But if you cut the alcohol out then something needs to replace it. This might take the form of medication, or talking therapies, or a combination of both.

Speak to the neuro team, or your GP to organise an urgent referral.

[cat3]

This is a common after-effect of brain injury Avalon. Many of us are left with massively heightened emotions where the slightest inconvenience, or deviation from normality, can trigger the most overwhelming frustration.

With flawed reasoning ability the only outlets are aggressive outbursts, for which the two most viable remedies seem to be therapy or medication, both of which rely on an acceptance of the problem and co-operation.

I chose to research post brain injury anger issues through reputable online sites, together with absenting myself (where possible) from testing situations by, literally, clamping my hand to my mouth and walking away. The next move was talking to a trusted source so I could hear myself unearthing the underlying feelings and getting to grips with the root causes.

I'm not really into alternative therapies although 'Mindfulness' has been a lifesaver for me in stepping back and taking stock of what's important.

Have you spoken to anyone on your partner's neuro team or your GP about these issues ? And maybe you could phone the Headway helpline for more support on 0808 800 2244 (freephone - office hours).

All best wishes, Cat x

[B_S_A]

It's been 8 years for me now, and I still flash with anger sometimes. I had some decent therapy to be able to handle it (highly recommend), but it does ease with time I promise.

As I'm sure you're aware of, booze is a lovely temporary fix which only delays emotional recovery (sorry to sound like a mother!)