Hello and welcome back to Second Chance to Live. I am happy to see that you decided to stop by to visit with me. A few days ago I received a request to write an article addressing stress related to the holiday season. In the following article I will address several of the factors that I believe impact the lives of brain injury survivors during the holiday season.
In 2 weeks Thanksgiving will be upon us, then 3 weeks later Christmas and a week later New Years Eve and New Years Day. For many families these 5-6 weeks — with the anticipation and preparation for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years — can be laden with anxiety and stress.
For many traumatic brain injury survivors the filters with in their brains — that monitor impulsive behavior and mood changes — are damaged at the time of their brain injuries. With increased stress and sensory overload — during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years — the brain injury survivor damage filters are taxed. Consequently, the brain injury survivor are more susceptible to impulsive behavior and unexplained mood swings. Consequently, the brain injury survivor may feel shunned and shamed as they interact with family and friends because of the invisible nature of their disability, deficits and limitations. The brain injury survivor may subsequently find themselves experiencing feelings of isolation and alienation.”
My suggestion here would be to love and accept yourself and be your own advocate. Rather than feeling shame and shunned — because of your deficits and limitations — be honest and share your struggles with family members and friends.
To benefit from the whole article, please read Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 of this article by clicking on the following links Part 2 , Part 3 and Part 4 As you read each of the 4 parts — and questions come to mind — please ask. All questions are good questions. Thank you.
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