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Traumatic Brain Injury: Come introduce yourself
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Last Active: 2 hours ago | Replies (170)Comment receiving replies
Thank-You Colleen,
I am having a hard time with my fiancee's family putting demands on me to go to too many family gatherings. I cannot handle a lot of people and noise and they don't understand because I look normal and they have seen improvements I have made, so I think they think I am all better, even though, they know I am still in rehab. I had to attend three last minute gatherings in the last 10 days which to me is ridiculous. I spent the last two days in bed with a migraine, so I need to learn to say "No" just not sure how. Another challenge I face is scheduling breaks I need and not over doing it. I was always on the go before my accident and it does not come easy to me resting, but if I don't I have consequences. Small steps on the road to recovery... I have adapted to new ways to do things which is a work in progress. I got a lot of my balance back after being in physical therapy, so I actually am running again on my treadmill which is exciting. Running is my life line to fighting the anxiety and depression that comes with a brain injury.
Replies to "Thank-You Colleen, I am having a hard time with my fiancee's family putting demands on me..."
@totto
Never be afraid or ashamed to say NO! And let it grow to the point it is a no without any explanation needed. You have to take care of yourself before you even think about anyone else. That may sound harsh but pose that question to the top psychologists and they will all agree. I am only a week away from the treadmill (no running) but you have to celebrate the small victories along the way.
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Welcome to this group Totto. Sorry to hear about your struggles. In one of my previous posts I mentioned that our limitations are difficult because often we don't know where the line is until we have crossed it. Then we pay the consequences.
With your family gatherings, it is difficult to say no, but sometimes we have to. A simple "right now my brain can't take it" should work with understanding, caring people. COVID also gives you a good excuse. If you do go to a gathering, can you do what my wife does, off to the side with just 1 or 2 others, away from all the noise. Hard to do for an extrovert, but you have to think of your whole self. Also, there are no rules about how long we have to stay. Very hard for Minnesotans, but going for part of the time will let them know you enjoy being part of the family, but leaving early will help them to know your limitations. I'm finding out that these limitations are not short term. It's been 2 years now for me and my energy level and stamina are not what they used to be. You are much younger, but that is all the more reason to listen to your body and get your needed rest. Over doing it really hinders the healing process.