Watching someone you love, experience the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury can feel disheartening and hopeless. As a caregiver, you might wonder what you can do to ease discomfort and encourage adaptation.
A common occurrence with TBIs is an uptick in behavioral problems. When you understand the correlation between these two health issues, you might have more confidence in your ability to provide support.
Understanding anger
Behavioral changes do not just happen overnight. A TBI, especially a severe one, causes significant trauma to the brain which could affect your loved one’s temperament, comprehension, emotional intelligence and rationale. Some behavioral changes you might notice include the following:
- Lack of motivation
- Restlessness
- Difficulty socializing
- Refusal to participate in group settings
Anger often stems from an underlying experience or condition. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, your effort to understand the root cause of behavioral problems will improve your ability to provide support.
Supporting adaptation
One of the best things you can do for your loved one is actively participate in recovery and rehabilitation treatment. Work closely with health care professionals to better understand your family member’s condition and the likelihood of recovering. Help with goal setting. Find creative ways to facilitate adaptation to any newfound limitations created by the TBI.
If addressed in a reasonable amount of time and treated with the right rehabilitation procedures, the onset and severity of behavioral problems may decline. Your effort to provide support and encouragement during a difficult time can also make a tremendous difference in protecting and stabilizing your loved one’s personality and mental health.