Not only do many brain injury survivors struggle with physical changes, but they also suffer emotional changes. Here is the best mind health constellation to care your mental health.

The best mental health care after a brain injury - Neofect’s 5 Stars

 What changes happen to brain injury survivors?


How has your life changed after a brain injury? You probably had to make changes
and accommodate yourself to a multitude of once familiar daily tasks like
dressing, washing, cooking, cleaning, shopping groceries, other household
chores, hobbies, work, and/or community reintegration. 


Not only do many brain injury survivors struggle with physical changes, they
also suffer emotional changes. Brain injury survivors are familiar with the
information about physical changes and how to rehabilitate, but some of them are
not aware of their emotional changes. I’ll explain to you some of the major
changes after a brain injury and let you know the best mind health
constellation.


Here are some changes brain injury patients suffer:


 1.  Movement restrictions
    Hemiplegia (complete paralysis of one side of body) and hemiparesis
    (weakness of one side of body) are very common, which result in functional
    and physical deficits. 
    
    Also, part(s) of your body may become weaker and gradually stiffen due to
    the lack of use. This is more prevalent in your hands more than your legs.
    Upper extremity recovery usually takes longer than lower extremity. 
    
    Exercising the weak and/or stiff parts of your body can help improve your
    function and prevent contractures.
    
    
 2. Swallowing problems (dysphagia)
    Are you having difficulties swallowing food? The technical term for this is
    “dysphagia”. It can be improved with proper treatment and/or change in diet
    (make sure to consult with your MD and speech language pathologist (SLP))!
    
    Some of complications occur when you have trouble swallowing food or liquid.
    Sometimes the food passes through the airway, instead of esophagus, and
    blocks the airway, causing you to cough or choke.
    
    Dysphagia can also lead to serious conditions such as pneumonia,
    dehydration, or malnutrition.
    
    
 3. Cognitive impairment
    Brain injury survivors’ cognitive skills, such as alertness, awareness,
    perception, memory, attention span, etc, may be affected. 
    
    Though it is impossible to predict the outcomes, this can be improved over
    time, hard work, and therapy. 
    
    Try not to feel too anxious about it—Let’s beat this together!
    
    
 4. Communication problems (aphasia)
    Do you have trouble formulating speech or articulating words?
    
    Aphasia occurs when the brain injury affects the part of the brain that is
    responsible for comprehending and expressing the language.
    
    Depending on the severity, the loss of speech and language abilities may be
    temporary or long-term. Consult with your SLP, as speech therapy could help
    you with language communication skills!
    
    
 5. Emotional changes
    This is one of the very common symptoms among brain injury survivors.
    
    You may experience emotional changes for 2 reasons:
    1) You may experience emotional changes as you try to cope with the losses
    or aftereffects from the brain injury itself; and/or, 2)the brain injury may
    have damaged the part of your brain that regulates hormones and emotions.
    
    Either way, please don’t blame yourself for the mood swings and depression.
    It is not your fault, and we are here to help you cope with this!
    
    
 6. Other signs
    Visual impairment (trouble with visual processing, neglect or unawareness of
    one side of the visual field, spatial awareness, difficulty identifying
    objects, etc.) and numbness in the limbs may occur.
    

To recap, these changes arise from damage to particular areas of the brain.


Although damaged brain tissue can’t be regenerated, your brain’s ability to
reconnect and recover the functions—neuroplasticity—is possible!




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Table of contents

1. What changes happen to brain injury survivors?
2. Why do you need mental care after a brain injury?
3. The best mental health care after a brain injury
4. Conclusion(wrap-up)


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 Why do you need mental care after a brain injury?
Many go through sudden and uncontrollable mood shifts: like bursting into tears
or laughing involuntarily.


Also, they are concerned if they’ll actually recover because daily progress
isn’t visible to the eye. Oftentimes, needless worries and doubts cloud your
judgment. Feelings of grief may take over or some actually give up on rehab
altogether.


Some worry that others will judge them.

Will they notice my illness? Will I cause discomfort? Will some avoid me for my
disabilities?

These repeated thought patterns will lower their self-esteem and minimize their
social interactions.



There will be temporary downturns. It may feel like you’re getting worse no
matter how hard you try.





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 The best mental health care after a brain injury
"Will this work?”

“I’m not getting better.”

“I want to give up.”


Many brain injury survivors express concerns and frustrations. In fact, the
emotional rollercoaster is a natural part of recovery.


But, you are not alone. We are here to encourage you and help you cope with the
negative thoughts and emotions as you go through brain injury rehabilitation.


Rehabit’s 5 Stars
★Star 1. Embrace the changes.
★Star 2. Slowly but surely, I’m getting better.
★Star 3. Connect with others.
★Star 4. Setbacks only make me stronger.
★Star 5. I can be happy even after a brain injury.



We want you to remember these five elements for emotional wellness as you cope
with brain injury recovery. There will be times where you may feel vulnerable
but let these stars guide you in your day-to-day life as you continue with
rehabilitation.




 ★Star 1. Embrace the changes



Let's begin with Star 1—“Embrace the changes.”


Here’s a comment from “Neofect Support Group”, our Facebook community:



“I had my brain injury a year ago. Lately, I’ve experienced some emotional
changes. I bursted out crying while watching a Disney movie last night. I’m
suddenly feeling sensitive these days. I’ve never been this way before. But
recently, I discovered it’s a common post-injury symptom. Have any of you gone
through it?”


Did you ever feel this way? Unable to hold your tears during a movie, or
laughing unconsciously at something trivial?



The technical term for this condition is called PBA(Pseudobulbar Affect). 


It’s an uncontrollable display of emotions regardless of one’s actual feelings.
Physical damage to the frontal lobe that controls emotional expression causes
these strange outbursts. 


Many suffer from this emotional rollercoaster. These unrestrained and
unintentional expressions of emotions may end up dragging you down to
self-sabotage and depression.

Stop right there.


Remind yourself that this is the normal part of the rehab. It’s a natural
physiological response to the damaged brain following a brain injury.


You are surrounded by your family and friends who care about you. There are also
other brain injury survivors who can relate to you. We, Rehabit, are also here
for you. We will help you develop healthy coping skills.





 ★Star 2. Slowly but surely, I’m getting better
“Am I getting better?”


Many brain injury survivors question their recovery. They look at their stiff
hands and worry if they’ll ever improve. They doubt, then lose motivation, which
may affect their recovery negatively.


Don’t allow these negative thoughts to misguide you. Always remind yourself that
you are better than yesterday. Your body functions are recovering every day.
Your mental health is also improving every day. These are hard facts.


What brain injury survivors need is faith, first and foremost. And let
experienced therapists provide you with quality rehab solutions and trust the
process.


Remember you’re always moving forward even if it’s not visible to the naked eye.




According to therapists, progress may not be visible each and every day even if
we are always getting better everyday in rehab, we're not aware of it because
it’s not tangible.


However, all your efforts and struggles will eventually pay off!


You are getting better.


Walk with us in the Rehabit journey, and you will see your progress in the end!






 ★Star 3. Connect with others


Gilovich et al. (2000) conducted a study on “The spotlight effect in social
judgment”, and found that people tend to overestimate how their actions and
appearance are noted by others. 


In this study, participants had to wear T-shirts they didn’t like while
interacting with others. When the participants were asked roughly how many
people did they think had seen their T-shirts, their answers exceeded the actual
number of people that have noticed the T-shirts that the participants were
wearing.


This indicates that people’s primary focus is on themselves and are rather too
self-conscious to pay much attention to others. 


Many brain injury survivors are self-conscious, and worry about what others
would think about them. They assume that others are uncomfortable around them
because of their physical disabilities, postures and/or awkwardness caused by
injury.


This causes them to be withdrawn and isolated. They struggle, or even avoid
socializing with others in the communities. 


Instead of being worried about what others may think of you and convincing
yourself that you’d rather be alone, step out of your comfort zone and interact
with others! 


Having meaningful conversation and spending quality time with others can be very
helpful. It will also give you a sense of belonging and security when you regard
yourself as an important member of your social groups, such as family, circle of
friends, etc. 


Moreover, others need your support just like you need theirs. Socializing plays
a major role in rehab because it provides social support and motivation in your
journey to recovery.


Have you ever thought — “I’ll socialize more after I succeed in rehab.”


This may not be the healthiest approach. Your social life before rehab should be
maintained even after your injury. 


Start practicing your social skills today. Stick with the habit of talking to
your family and friends, and ask them how they are doing. You can also meet up
with them and spend quality time together. You can even take a step further and
chat with new people in the online or offline support groups. They’ll be glad to
connect with you.






 ★Star 4. Setbacks only make me stronger
Many brain injury survivors experience rehab slumps. Even if they get enough
training done, the body doesn’t feel right.


You feel like you hit a brick wall on the path to recovery. In fact, rehab may
even seem like running on a treadmill...What should you do?



Bear in mind that slumps won’t make you collapse. They’re stepping stones for
you to forge ahead.


They're only temporary yet necessary—a sign that you’re on the right track.



Coping with these setbacks and challenges may be difficult at first, but will
get easier with time. Eventually, you will get stronger and more resilient,
which is considered an important factor in your progress.


When a slump comes your way, welcome it as if it’s your day off, knowing it’ll
ultimately lead to healing. The right amount of rest is a part of rehab, too.
Make rehab a happy journey where you can unwind and relax along the way.


Remember—After every setback, there’s a comeback!





 ★Star 5. I can be happy even after a brain injury
Life is filled with the unforeseen circumstances and traumas. Brain injury
brings a lot of changes, losses, and challenges in your mind and body. It is
normal to feel frustrated and overwhelmed during brain injury recovery.


Happiness is not defined by your illness and medical conditions. Happiness is
actually based on your perception. However, it is not easy to stay positive all
the time.



Regardless of the life circumstances, there are always things to be grateful for
everyday. For instance — clean water, food, social support, technology that
allows you to be on this app, enough strength and energy to complete your rehab
routines, etc...


Actively look for the happy moments and simple pleasures in your life.


Engage in activities that you love, recite positive affirmations, and work on
changing your lifestyle. Write down the small and big goals in your life, and
think about what you can do today to get a step closer to achieving them.


Though it seems unimaginable at the moment, it is possible to get through this,
and live a life full of contentment and purpose even after a brain injury.


You need time to heal physically and emotionally, and we hope that each day gets
easier for you.





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 Conclusion (Wrap-up)
Which star did you think was most memorable? 



Regardless of your frustrations, your efforts will eventually pay off. Your
valuable time and efforts in your current path will come to fruition—just like
nurturing a plant, watering it and giving it time to grow into a sturdy tree
with strong, deep roots.


Your progress has transpired from the beginning and it's happening at this
moment. Be with Rehabit, and it's still to come. And in due time, it will bear
fruit.


If you’re interested in Rehabit, please visit here
[https://www.neofect.com/us/rehabit]. ?

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