In my time as a Personal Injury Lawyer, I’ve worked with many clients that have suffered from a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). My clients often feel as though no one understands what they are going through. Sometimes, even they do not fully understand what is wrong.
This is because brain injury can often be seen as an “invisible disability”. Often, no outward injuries or wounds are present to give an external indication of injury. Unfortunately, this can mean others may not recognize or acknowledge the extent of your injury.
If you’ve experienced a mild traumatic brain injury, it’s important to know that your emotional and cognitive symptoms are completely normal. You may experience the injury as a personal disaster – this is a common response, and you should not try to ignore or suppress your feelings.
Common Emotional Symptoms Following a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
- Depressed
- Anxious
- Unfocused
- Burnt out
- Frustrated
- Moody
- Irritable
- Apathetic
- Intolerant to Changes
- Grief
You must accept your emotions as a normal part of the healing process after a brain injury. Only then can you begin to cope with your situation.
How to Cope with a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
- Take care of your needs: do not neglect your physical, personal, or social needs
- Understand you will feel a wide variety of emotions: know this is common and you are not alone
- Seek support from others: explain to trusted friends and family how you’re feeling or find a support group of others going through the same experience
- Seek professional help: if you’re having trouble meeting the needs of everyday life, seek out a brain injury specialist to help
- Allow yourself time to grieve: reflect on who you were and think about who you’d like to be in the future
If you have suffered a mild traumatic brain injury, it is important to remember help is out there for you.
For more information about brain injury in Ontario, I urge you to contact the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA).Click here for the OBIA website.
This concludes our current video series about brain injury. Stay tuned to our website for upcoming videos on personal injury, Long-term disability, brain injury, and fatalities topics.
Mild traumatic brain injury videos available now:
- What is a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)?
- Why are Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries Often Missed?
- Accessing Funding for Medical Rehabilitation after Suffering a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in a Motor Vehicle Accident
- Finding the Right Team for Your Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
>> Roger R. Foisy is an experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Ontario who has helped clients with brain injuries. If you or a loved one have suffered a brain injury, please contact us today for immediate support and a free consultation.
*Roger R. Foisy has completed courses in Neurorehabilitation, Advanced Brain Injury Rehabilitation, and Understanding Neuropsychological Testing from Brock University. However, he is not a medical professional. The advice in this blog is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.
More on Brain Injury from Roger R Foisy
- Life Changes: Living with a Loved One Suffering from an mTBI
- How to Cope with Grief after Brain Injury
- What You Need to Know About Sports-related Injuries: Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions
