Traumatic Brain Injury — Stress, Anxiety and Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Part 1

[Craig J. Phillips MRC, BA]

Posted by secondchancetolive on November 20, 2009

Hello and welcome back to Second Chance to Live. I am happy to see that you decided to stop by to visit with me. A few days ago I received a request to write an article addressing stress related to the holiday season. In the following article I will address several of the factors that I believe impact the lives of brain injury survivors during the holiday season.

In 2 weeks Thanksgiving will be upon us, then 3 weeks later Christmas and a week later New Years Eve and New Years Day. For many families these 5-6 weeks — with the anticipation and preparation for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years — can be laden with anxiety and stress.

For many traumatic brain injury survivors the filters with in their brains – that monitor impulsive behavior and mood changes — are damaged at the time of their brain injuries. With increased stress and sensory overload – during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years — the brain injury survivor filters are taxed. Consequently, the brain injury survivor is more susceptible to impulsive behavior and unexplained mood swings. Consequently, the brain injury survivor may feel shunned and shamed around family and friends because of the invisible nature of their disability.

My suggestion here would be to love and accept yourself and be your own advocate. Rather than feeling shame and shunned — because of your deficits and limitations – be honest and share your struggles with family members and friends.

Please read Part 2 for context. Thank you.

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