Not doing so well

[Countryelement]

Hi everyone. I joined this group two years ago but have only posted once, time to change that and reach out for support because I’m not coping well. It’s been nearly four years since my op and every day is a struggle still. I know I’ve come a long way but I put myself under pressure by telling myself there’s a long way to go still. I lack the motivation to push forward and feel so damn lonely much of the time. One day at a time is the mantra I keep being told but I need hope and trust that things will get better. I have no doubt there are many of you out there who feel the same way so it would really be great to hear from you, maybe even suggesting ways I can help myself. Thanks for reading this 😊

[Beachlovingkiwi]

hey - I’m 5 & 6 years post injuries and the best thing that has helped me is to rest when I can - dark room or eye mask on, quiet room or ear plugs and just reset for 10-15 mins. Really does do the world of good for me and helps with energy at the end of the day when I usually have none. I also recommend magnesium spay at night - helps with a restful sleep which I feel is crucial! Oh and limit screen time if possible. Sure it’s all stuff you know or have heard or tried but has all helped me heaps. Take care and there is light at the end of the tunnel 😀

[skydivesurvivor]

morning, a long hard, trying journey most certainly?!! Change little bits at a time. Immensely proud when I achieve the simplest things, not under/ over cooking a microwave meal!! Washing a mat have walked over loads of times, actually got what I went to the shops for!! New life is a challenge for sure!! This site is a godsend!! Share my stupidity in a safe place with other survivors, loads of support from those who actually know?!! Have learnt to smile to spite my self, try it & good luck

[James1984]

It took me a long time to get better and it was extremely frustrating at times. Some things returned to normal eventually, some things didn't. Nevertheless, I accept myself as I am these days. A lot of people don't get me, they don't even understand how I have a disability. But like you, I reach out to support groups such as this and it helps a lot. I also have started reading the Bible and praying to God and Jesus Christ. I find it helps keep me 'centred' and feel less lonely.

[Nemo24]

It's tough even years down the road. I try to think of positive things which I know isn't easy. What I'm doing that's new and people I've met that help and understand. Have joined some groups doing things I never thought I would - photography, art, or just chatting. Check out Headways website to see if there's a local group. They really do get it. Try to get outside and hopefully you can look up and see the leaves changing colour. Take care of yourself.

[sashaming1]

contact healthunlocked.com/user/hea... ?

[Painting-girl]

Hang on in there Countryelement and know you can always talk on here. Don't forget to talk to the Headway helpline in office hours as well for information and support.

[Tilly1422]

Hi Countryelement,

I don't know if this will help because I am not, personally recovering from a TBI but my husband of 35 years is. He has been home since August after a long old 8 month stay in a rehabilitation center but I tend to look at how far he has come as his measure, not how far he has to go. Flipping that approach seems to work for me as his carer because he has come such a long way. If I thought of how far he has to travel I don't know that it would be as easy to be motivated by that journey because he is in the very early stages of his recovery. But from reading the stories on here, I am astounded at the journeys that survivors of TBI have travelled, but they are here, still travelling and still achieving and whilst the road may be slow, they still move in the right direction and I am totally inspired by that. I don't know if I am just an optimist or if it is different from a carers perspective who can at least rely on who they are from one day to the next and I am sorry if my approach comes from lack of understanding or experience but it is not intended to be anything other than a different approach. In the hope that it works for you. x

[ghost_writer]

Having an injury is never easy (I had a Traumatic Brain Injury during my childhood) and I hope you can get through. Certain things I found that help: try to get offline and spend time outside with nature (walk in the park, etc); don't fully isolate yourself (platforms such as this help); try to list what you have and what you're struggling with, focusing more on what you have; get creative (drawing, writing, poetry, etc). All the best. Let us know how you get along (no private details of course for safety)