Relationships and family dynamics following brain injuries are often negatively affected. This is because many things change for brain injury survivors—even the way they relate to others. Some of the reasons relationships change after brain injuries include the following:
Difficulty relating to others. Because many brain injury survivors feel like they can’t relate to people like they used to, they often find it easier to be alone. This is also the case for survivors who feel like others don’t understand them or what they are going through. Because of these feelings and thoughts, many brain injury survivors pull away and prefer to be by themselves.
Feeling depressed. Because traumatic brain injuries can leave survivors with physical disabilities, mental issues, and behavioral and personality changes, many brain injury survivors suffer from depression and emotional issues due to these overwhelming changes. As a result, they may feel nervous, worried, and self-conscious to be around people for fear of rejection.
Problems communicating. Since brain injuries can cause communication challenges, survivors often have issues with talking, finding the right words, or even understanding others. Therefore, communicating can be difficult because many brain injury survivors can’t easily explain their thoughts, which makes them feel misunderstood and lonely.
Feeling irritated. Brain injuries often cause survivors to feel irritable, angry, and anxious, and many individuals are aware they are not acting like themselves. Consequently, some survivors choose to stay away from loved ones for fear of acting badly and hurting those they love.
Dealing with physical limitations. Because many brain injury survivors are dealing with pain, disabilities, and other injury-related limitations, it can be more difficult for them to invest in relationships. This is because they might not be able to do and enjoy the things they once did.
What Families Can Do to Help Strengthen the Relationship
While it can be difficult to know what to say and do following a such a serious injury, it is important to talk with the brain injury survivor about your personal relationship and family dynamics. Most of the time, seeking the assistance of a professional can help families lessen the discomfort and learn how to relate to their injured loved one. In addition to counseling, legal assistance can help make sure you get the right compensation in order to get the best help possible for your loved one. Please call us for a complimentary consultation today at 703-721-4233
