first time

[Drum-and-bass]

hi its my first time so appologies if i have done this wrong. I don’t seem to be able to join a chat group locally to help with thoughts that im having. I had a difusse axonal injury approximately 5 months ago im off the ward now and living with my perants a big change from how i was livving priorr to this sittuation. Luckilly my girlfriend has stuck with me even though i appreciate it couldnt have been easy as we had to move out are flat etc because of my injuries. I find it hard to apreciat what ive done as a person as nurses doctors and family have all said ive done so well to get where i am as quickly as i have. Which im glad im doing well but i dont seem able to relate it as i dont remember it. I get relly frustrated with my own head at times as memorry seems to be very poor now and attention so i get aggravated quite a lot now. Im not violent as i have also told my partner to let me know of any issues she might have with how i react to things now. But just that i seem angry a lot but that i seem to get angry at my own head now. Im not sure if anyone has also felt this way? But i do find it annoying how the brain works now. I appreciate im still fairly new to this situation and so time is probably going to teach me more of my issues now but being young in my 20’s i find it difficult to wait and want a fix as quick as possible 😂😂

[cat3]

The frustration and anger is a common reaction to the loss of previous competence, but it seems you have the necessary awareness to avoid it spilling over into aggression.

As you'll know, DAI can have long term effects, depending on the severity of the injury, and our general health and age. In terms of improvements you have the enormous advantage of youth.

Your awareness that it's still early days means you can observe the brain injury rules of testing your boundaries ....but not pushing beyond them. Taking moderate exercise daily, eating healthily and keeping hydrated (v. important for brain health ; water's best) can all contribute to better brain health.

Celebrities such as Richard Hammond, Marc Almond and Roald Dahl went on with their lives post DAI. And James Cracknell, the Olympic athlete, wrote a book on his serious injury and the resulting epilepsy & anger issues ; he's a supporter of Headway.

Focus on what you can achieve and not what you can't ! Cat x

[Leaf100]

Hi DandBLike Cat said these are still early days.

I was really angry for awhile, it didn't spill over - just everything irritated me cause my brain hurt.

Mine did go and now I am less emtional than before the injury. Some people are more.

Key now, like Cat said - back to basics - sleep, decent good, mild exercise if you can swing it - and rest. Resting means doing nothing, not reading or watching TV.

You heal when you sleep.

You can buld up to things by doing them a small amount of time for a week or two then add a tiny bit more

Go slow and then slow it down.

You don't run a marathon on a broken leg and you don't jump back to normal on a broken brain. It takes time. Brains heal slower than legs and not in a straight line.

Yes, it is frustrating. The upside is you will learn to be a very patient person.

Your brain will learn to do things again it just has to figure out how again.

There may be long term effects and healing also keeps happening. Likely you will both adjust and miss the old you at the same time. Some professionals will suggest you stop comparing to the old you - I found memories are still there so you can't help but compare - the trick is not to suffer over it. That's a work in progress for most of us.

Post anytime.

Leaf

[sca2013]

The fast road to your life now is this - Start creating your new life as soon as possible. Don't try to return to how things used to be, it will only frustrate and anger you more. Use your energy in creating your new life.

[Insaneinthemembrain]

I just read your post and can completely relate. I’ve found recovery incredibly frustrating and as someone who was full of it before the accident I find the constant need to rest and be mindful super annoying and was getting angry at people and myself constantly. Unfortunately there is no quick way out of it and the sooner you understand that the easier and more relaxed you’ll be. Just take one day at a time, an hour at a time if you have to. Break it all down into small chunks and try and take it easy and be patient. It does get better but only if you give in a little and take care of yourself.

It’s hard to listen to the advice of taking it easy, but the more rest you get the sooner you’ll get better and there is no other way around it (believe me I’ve tried!!)

Sending big hugs.. stay strong. Your doing amazingly well by the sounds of it! It will get better ☺️