No one to talk to

[Dann2]

no one to talk to about the brain problems i have. So upset.

[Yellowduck49]

Have you tried calling Headway?

Tel: [phone] | Email: [e-mail]

They are there to help! Just talking to somebody who understands brain injuries could really help you find the right support x

[Dann2 in reply to Yellowduck49]

i have before, yes. they weren’t able to help much

[Teazymaid]

it is one of the problems I am having as I am invisible .. not sure about you and your life but for me going to councilling with my husband is beginning to make a difference and unfortunately going private to see a neurologist in 2 weeks will answer some help to explain why I am like I am .. Sue 😊

[cat3]

Hi Dann ; sorry you're feeling isolated. Years ago, when not knowing where to turn, I phoned the Samaritans assuming they would ask whether I was suicidal and suggest seeing my GP. But they were amazing and assigned me a regular visitor who stayed and talked/listened for a couple of hours in a natural and intelligent fashion.

We gelled and I was invited to visit with her at her home once weekly, in addition to her visits to me. Freely voicing my issues and private thoughts was like laying out my life in jigsaw form. And it was me, not some therapist with text book answers, who sorted the pieces and fitted them back to make a clearer, less chaotic, picture.

Try them on 116 123 (24/7)

........and remember, we're always here to talk. Cat. x

[catrabb1t in reply to cat3]

Cat thats an amazing service. It sounds like it was offered at the right time for you to benefit from it.

[cat3 in reply to catrabb1t]

Absolutely catrabbit. I'd previously thought . . .'Talking ? . . . what can talking achieve ?'

What I learned was that it would be me doing most of the talking and, in the presence of an none-judgmental, reassuring stranger, unintentionally psychoanalyzing myself.

Many years later it was me being the 'sounding-board' for my sister-in-law when my beloved brother died ; she always maintained it was the talking which got her through the darkest times.....

[Dann2 in reply to cat3]

i’m glad they helped you, Cat.

i feel like i need to talk to a neurologist who is empathetic and will listen, but they don’t seem to be available to me.

[cat3 in reply to Dann2]

Not just you Dann ; there are unprecedented waiting times for everyone, in all NHS departments, but I know how the lack of treatment can feel hopeless, and very personal.

I'm assuming you have a referral to a neurologist ?

[Dann2 in reply to cat3]

Hello Cat,

No, i don’t, i’ve been through the process of seeing a neurologist years ago and the one i saw didn’t really help in terms of proper testing or diagnosis. That’s why i feel there’s no one else to see, and my GP tells me the same and is unwilling to help any further.

i cant afford to go private. So just left in no-man’s-land trying to cope.

[Ideogram]

Sorry to hear you're feeling like this.

I find it can be very hard to find people with whom you can genuinely talk about how you're feeling - most people mean well, but it feels like they're looking for you to say you're better, or I find myself trying to put a positive or funny spin on things so as not to be a drag.

I saw others have suggested the Headway line, or feel free to keep coming here. I've been very glad of the folk who have listened here.

Sending you best wishes.

[1949liz]

hi Dann2,

I’m sorry to hear that you’re not feeling very well, you sound lonely, so upset, can you explain more about how you’re feeling about your head injury? I suffered TBI and I went on the Internet and found this website and it’s been one the best thing I ever did.

People understand what you’re suffering from on this site and everyone and I said this from my heart everyone understands and if they don’t someone else does. it’s Sunday morning here my friend is just taking my dog for a walk then I’m off to church. I give you big hugs, and I pray that you will start to investigate why you’re feeling like you are, I found once I understood more people suffered like me it helped enormously.

I wish you a very blessed day with love from Liz and big lick from my Shelly she’s adorable

take care my friend we’re all with you 🤗🤗🙏

[Dann2 in reply to 1949liz]

thank you liz (and Shelly).

i’ve been trying to investigate this for about 23 years now. I took some medication back then that injured my brain and it’s been a constant struggle ever since. Ruined my life. And what makes it worse is that the doctors i’ve seen havent believed me. incredibly frustrating and isolating. I’ve been searching for tests and treatments for so long now. feel like screaming but that anger has actually just turned into sadness and depression now. While i still experience the horrible side effects to my brain and vision.

Headway haven’t been able to help me either with these things. very much am on my own.

[1949liz in reply to Dann2]

hi Dann2 have you tried citizens advice? Have you googled up the name of the drug that you took and see if anyone else has had the same reaction as yourself?. My neurologist gave me a drug from my essential tremor, I googled it up and contacted the essential tremor group, it has been banned in America and China so I didn’t take it, I’m still shaking but I’d rather that and the side-effects of the drug that has been banned in America

There is an Organisation that deals pacifically with medical diagnosis. you will find it online hope this helps you take care. Please keep in touch and let me know how you’ve got on. Love Liz and Shelly.🙏⭐️

[Writeronstack]

You have come to the right place Dann2. Say exactly what you are thinking or feeling... There are many of us who will get it. We're walking the same road.

And do try the Samaritans. They're a really resourceful organisation. A friend of mine used to work for them - and their ways are different from area to area. Worth trying.

Does your area have a local headway group? Maybe you can actually put a face to a name.... And meet someone. Everyone in headway will have something similar to your experience to share.

I'm about to go to my local headway next month. Lets see what that brings.

In the meantime, write what you are thinking or feeling. Someone here is bound to get it.

[ftt1960 in reply to Writeronstack]

Does your local Headway have a weekly meeting? I’ve been going to mine for a couple of years and get so much out of it. We are all brain damaged in some way and fully understand each other. Nothing is off limits.

[Writeronstack in reply to ftt1960]

Delighted to hear that you are supported by your local headway group Dann2. Mine is a 50 minute drive away - and I have not been yet. I have an appointment with them to see the administrator next month.

[Dann2 in reply to Writeronstack]

hi, i’m not supported by my local headway group unfortunately. That was ftt’s comment i think.

i feel totally on my own with this.

[Writeronstack in reply to Dann2]

Sorry I really got that wrong. As I said I have an appointment with my "local" one. I guess the experience is mixed. Are you any better today?

[Haloumi]

hi

I recognise the feelings you’ve described. I feel invisible and like I’ve been asleep for the last year only to wake and find everything has changed. Hospital was easier (I didn’t think that at the time) but now my meds are reducing I can see things more clearly and I don’t like it. My life has changed so much, I don’t recognise myself anymore. I take comfort in hearing that change is gradual and that I still have something to offer, I haven’t worked out what yet but that’s ok.

It’s brilliant that you are in therapy, I hope that’s helpful? Does the therapist know how you feel about your brain injury and how that is effecting your identity etc., they might be able to see you on your own for some sessions if you think that would help?

You take care and maybe discuss medication with your gp? (Antidepressants?) just a thought, I know it’s not for everyone but they can be helpful. I am now taking seroxetine(?)

All the very best and know you are not alone.

X

[Haloumi]

just realised I’ve replied to teazymaids post and not yours dann2. I’m so sorry. Thinking of you and hoping there’s something helpful in my reply☺️

[Dann2 in reply to Haloumi]

it’s fine, hope you are doing ok.

[catrabb1t]

I have noticed that near me a church that is very community minded, offers a similar service to what Cat describes the Samaritans offered to her except that you would visit them to a private room in their hall. It is a Listening Ear for people who want to off load their stresses and worries. i saw this info on their noticeboard when I was looking for craft groups.

I would try Headway and the Samaritans again if you need to unload and if you have questions then Headway can help. Sometimes we have less than favourable experiences on phone lines and it might be that in that moment you have not gelled with the person on the phone for whatever reason. Maybe it was your mood, or theirs, or their use of language or a comment that did not sit well with you, or their tone of voice. It happens. It is very much worth calling back on a different day because you will probably get a different person, or even if it is the same one, you can have a much better outcome on a different day. These phone lines are designed to prevent you feeling so cut off.

Nowadays there are many counsellers who offer flexible services like by phone or via a camera link and this might suit your needs. These services would be chargeable.