How to Cope With Brain Trauma

Those who deal with trauma to the brain have what's called a traumatic brain injury or TBI. TBI can be caused by a variety of factors, including car or other motor accidents, falling and even being hit in the head with another object. Those who suffer from TBI are subject to many effects that span from emotional or behavioral issues to severe mental retardation. Coping with TBI can be difficult at first, but many people throughout the world do so every day.

Instructions

• 1

  Research and learn as much as you can about TBI. Fear of the unknown can sometimes overwhelm someone who is dealing with the results of brain trauma. Ask your doctor questions, do research online or visit the library often. Ask others to relay information to you if reading and research is difficult.

• 2

  Understand that there are literally thousands and thousands of cases of brain trauma in the United States. That means that you are not alone. It also means that there are many people in the world who continue with their lives despite TBI. By reminding yourself of this, you'll be able to cope more with your brain trauma. If others can do it, so can you.

• 3

  Join a brain trauma support group. Meeting and speaking with people who experience the effects of brain injuries will give you an outlet. In addition, you'll learn more about TBI. For example, try the Brain Trauma Foundation at www.braintrauma.org.

• 4

  Ask for help if you need it. Those who suffer from trauma to the brain may need to ask for help sometimes. Understand that it's OK to request assistance from someone else if you need to. For severe cases of TBI, organizations are set up that allow you to have low-cost (and sometimes free) assistance up to 24 hours a day.

• 5

  Continue with your regular, every day activities (unless your doctor suggests otherwise). By maintaining the lifestyle you had before your brain injury, you'll be less likely to get bogged down by any potential "inabilities" you may talk yourself into having.