In a nutshell, I’d recommend that anyone who experiences a TBI accept that it happened. It took me a while, but eventually, I realized that the changes were permanent. I was down but not out.

Tips for How to Thrive Post-TBI

By Debra J. White

What Would Happen Now?

Finding myself in a rehab center (I don’t recall the hospital stay) was hard to accept. What would happen now? I had always led an active life, earning both degrees on a part-time schedule while working. I often worked two jobs because of the high cost of living in Manhattan. I competed in three marathons. Although I had worked in hospitals, I had little knowledge about brain injuries. I quickly learned.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I returned home from the hospital two months later. Walking was difficult, and I forgot how to make coffee. In fact, I didn’t remember Judy, one of my dogs who I had adopted from a shelter over a year before.

Both dogs meant a lot to me. Thankfully, friends and neighbors cared for them in my long absence. I’d have been heartbroken without them and relied on them for comfort during my long rehabilitation.

I also owe a lot to Dr. Edward Sorel, a staff psychologist who worked at the rehab center. He encouraged me to attend a TBI support group. At first, I resisted, but then I agreed to try one meeting.

I’m so glad I went. Meeting another TBI patient shoved me off the pity pot. Linda was badly brain injured from a car accident many years ago. She could barely talk and was confined to a wheelchair. I started to visit her in the group home where she lived for the next few years. Although I moved away in 1996, meeting Linda was a game changer.

My injury was significant enough to prevent a return to social work but not enough to keep me housebound. I looked for ways to connect with the world around me. I was fortunate to find volunteer opportunities where my limitations didn’t keep me from contributing.

How to Thrive

In a nutshell, I’d recommend that anyone who experiences a TBI accept that it happened. It took me a while, but eventually, I realized that the changes were permanent. I was down but not out.

I tried to focus on what I could do rather than on what I couldn’t.

I am fortunate to have a caring circle of friends who helped me along the way, not just with emotional support but financially as well.

Getting by on Social Security disability was a challenge. I never earned a lot of money, but I always paid my way. For the first time, I applied for financial assistance to pay my bills. I felt demoralized at first but then accepted that the help is there for people like me who need it. I say never give up. There will be bad days but focus on the good days.

Look for tools to help with everyday life.

Memory loss still haunts me, but I manage. I keep a diary, a calendar, and a notepad in my purse. I use a timer, for example, if I place food in the oven. I won’t remember unless the timer is on. I’ve burned too many dishes!

Take up a hobby.

Initially, I forgot whatever I read, so I turned to jigsaw puzzles. Wow, that was such a good idea. That kept me occupied for hours.

Be active within your means.

Go outside and get fresh air. Take in a movie, a show, a concert, etc. Summertime here is hot, and it is not conducive to outdoor activity, but malls are good places to spend time.

Visit a friend or family.

Adopt a pet.

Animals are good company. If walking is an issue, a cat would be ideal. Our shelters are full of good pets that need homes.

Read a book.

I either take out books from the library or buy them at thrift stores. I also do word games to try and keep up my cognitive skills.

Eat a healthy diet.

I’m a vegetarian, but I don’t eat sweets. I gave them up a long time ago. Drink plenty of water too.

Take advantage of cultural activities, some of which are free.

For instance, the Desert Botanical Garden offers free admission on the second Tuesday of every month. During our cooler winter months, there are street festivals.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Caring, concerned people are out there.

Debra J. White is the author of All Shook Up: Finding Purpose After Traumatic Brain Injury.
She will be the guest author for BIAAZ’s Coffee with the Authors event in December.

ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA

The Brain Injury Association of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.

What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.