Learn about TBI - For Individuals and Families
Coping Strategies When a Family Member Has TBI
People cope with stressful situations in different ways. There are a number of feelings you and your family may experience after a brain injury.
Panic
Worries about whether your family member will survive are common during the early days after a brain injury. You may find yourself breathing rapidly, unable to sleep, having trouble eating and crying uncontrollably. These are all normal reactions.
Shock
Many families say they felt that "this can't be real." While you may be aware of what's happening around you, it may be difficult to remember information or conversations. You may have a hard time taking in what has happened and understanding all the new medical terms and procedures.
Anger
You may feel angry that this has happened. You may even find yourself angry with the individual for getting hurt. You may be angry with someone you feel has caused or been involved with the injury. Some families become angry with hospital staff and question what they are doing and how they are treating the patient.
Guilt
You may feel that you could have prevented the injury. You may find yourself thinking about how you could have done things differently or better in the past. You may even feel guilty about feeling angry. Talk about your feelings with someone you can trust. Don't struggle alone.
Isolation
You may feel distant or disconnected from others, even other family members and close friends. While you may feel that others can't possibly understand what you are going through, it's important to reach out and ask family and friends for comfort, support and help.
Hope
As the medical crisis passes, your worries about survival will change to hopes for recovery. Although any medical complications or setbacks may cause new worries, even the smallest changes or signs of progress may raise your hopes.
What are Suggestions for Coping?
What works for one person may not be helpful to another. We hope some of these suggestions will help you get through this difficult time.
- Write important information down in a journal or notebook. You can use this to keep track of questions you want to ask members of the health care team. It may also be useful to share with the patient.
- Establish a "phone tree." Name one person for family and friends to call for information on the patient's condition.
- Rotate family visits. If you need or want to leave the hospital, you may want to have someone stay with the patient so you can feel reassured the patient is not alone.
- When someone offers to help, accept the offer. Try to be specific about how this person can help.
- Express your feelings. Discuss your positive and negative feelings with family members, friends and staff.
- Be kind to yourself. Take time for a walk or have a meal with a friend. Also, try to leave the hospital for a meal or restful night of sleep. It is very important to take care of yourself. By taking care of your own needs, you will be more prepared to make good decisions and support your loved one.
- Speak to a social worker, psychologist or chaplain or attend a support group.