How You Can Best Support a Friend or Family Member after a Traumatic Brain Injur
When your loved one has suffered any type of bump or blow to the head, you want to get them to an experienced medical professional as soon as possible, so that they can get all the care they need. But their recovery will involve more than treatment by the right doctor. Your involvement in their recovery can be critical. Here are some of the things you can do to help a loved one move forward after a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Let Them Know That They Are Valued
Studies show that one of the most common responses to any type of head injury is a feeling of being damaged or being a burden. One of the most important things you can do for a family member or friend who has suffered a concussion or TBI is to listen to and acknowledge their concerns. They’re experiencing a lot of difficult emotions, from stress to fear to anxiety to depression. They need to know that it’s okay to have those feelings. They need to know that they’re being heard.
Accept That Their Lives Have Changed
Of course, you want your loved one to make a full recovery. But that may take time and it may never happen. When you focus only on what they might become and not where they are, they can feel anxious, defeated and inadequate. It may take some time, but you need to accept them as they are now and help them embrace who they are.
Strive to Stay Connected
For many who have suffered any type of traumatic brain injury, social networks tend to decline, as some people may simply be unequipped to deal with the nature of the injury or the changes it has brought about.Make an extra effort to stay in regular contact and communication with someone who has suffered a TBI.
Help Them Understand the Road to Recovery
Regardless of how long it’s expected to take or the prospects of a full recovery, it’s important for the victim of a concussion or traumatic brain injury to have a coherent understanding of what that will take, as it can be a critical step in recovery. When a person knows what to expect and what needs to be done to get there, it can facilitate recovery.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.
