Hello and welcome back to Second Chance to Live.Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years can be particularly stressful for brain injury survivors. Several years ago I wrote an article to share what I discovered and some solutions for managing the stress over the holiday season. The information in this article has benefited me in managing stress. You may also find the information of benefit as you manage stress during the holiday season. Because of the length of the article, I have divided the article up into 4 parts. I have included links to each part of the article below, at the bottom of Part 1 of the article.
Originally posted by Second Chance to Live on November 23, 2011
On November 20, 2009 I wrote Traumatic Brain Injury – Stress, Anxiety and Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. In this 4 part article I shared some important information that can help to empower our lives during the “holiday” season. I would encourage you to read the complete article. I have included links to the additional 3 Parts of this article at the bottom of Part 1.
To read Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 of the article, please click on each highlighted links at the bottom of Part 1 — of this article — and you will be taken to each Part of the article. As you read the article and questions come to mind, please do not hesitate to send those questions to me. All questions are good questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
Traumatic Brain Injury — Stress, Anxiety and Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Part 1
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 filters are taxed. Consequently, the brain injury survivor is more susceptible to impulsive behavior and unexplained mood swings. Consequently, the brain injury survivor may feel shunned and shamed around family and friends because of the invisible nature of their disability. The brain injury survivor may subsequently experience 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
If you have any questions or would like to make a comment please use my Contact Information Page.
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