Relationships

The most important relationship you can focus on is the one with yourself. Take care of yourself, be kind to yourself, and continue to grow and learn as you navigate the ups and downs of life after a TBI.

It can be frustrating and heartbreaking to feel like you're not the same person you once were and to see relationships change as a result. It's important to be patient with yourself and with those around you as you navigate these changes. Communication is key in any relationship, but it becomes even more crucial when dealing with the complexities of a TBI.

It's okay to grieve the loss of relationships, and it's okay to seek support from loved ones, therapists, or support groups during this time. It's important to remember that you are not alone in this journey and that there are resources available to help you navigate the challenges that come with managing relationships post-TBI.

The most important relationship you can focus on is the one with yourself. Take care of yourself, be kind to yourself, and continue to grow and learn as you navigate the ups and downs of life after a TBI. And remember, it's okay to prioritize your well-being and boundaries in any relationship, regardless of the circumstances.

It is important to bear in mind that, while it may appear that your loved ones do not fully understand your situation, they are making earnest efforts to support you. It is equally crucial to recognize that they too require time to adjust and cope.

Initially, following my injury, I believed that others did not understand the reasons behind my delayed speech, the extended time it took for me to organize my thoughts, or why I sometimes chose to remain silent. This often led me to think they might perceive me as rude due to my inability to keep pace with the conversation.

Consequently, instead of attempting to engage, I would either excuse myself or refrain from speaking altogether—creating an awkward silence that prompted others to leave. These concerns would preoccupy my mind before any event or function, inducing significant anxiety within me. Ultimately, this anxiety frequently led me to decide against attending social gatherings and fabricating excuses citing symptoms related to my brain injury.

Naturally, this approach only postponed any possibility of recovery for me. Instead of acceptance, I chose to ignore and deny my actions, leading to severe isolation and loneliness—an environment far from conducive for healing.

Whether an individual is grappling with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), another medical condition, or entirely different issues such as relationship difficulties—it is imperative that we foster a supportive community. We should make it a point to check on our neighbors, greet passersby during evening walks, offer assistance to someone struggling with their groceries, or extend a reassuring smile to a parent managing a fussy child. I strongly advocate for these small acts of kindness over becoming absorbed in your phone while walking past others, ignoring the existence of your neighbors, or judging the parent dealing with their crying baby. Such behavior not only fails to contribute positively but also perpetuates a cycle of negativity that further isolates individuals.

Instead, let's break down these walls by spreading compassion and joy. By doing so, we diminish human separation and promote unity within our communities.

Amber Lohret, BSN, RN; Author of *Invisible: Finding Purpose and Spiritual Awakening After the Storm of a Traumatic Brain Injury*