If you have not already read Part 1 of this article, please do so at this time by clicking here. Thank you.
In my experience, I believe that to be able to get beyond denial, ignorance and the loss of anything or specific changes that occur in our lives that a grieving process needs to occur. In my experience, I found that I needed to confront my denial, to work through my anger, to go through a bargaining process (to get to the point of realizing that I could not change what I had lost). I then found that I needed to give myself the permission to be depressed (and if I am stuck in depression I need to seek outside counseling help) before I was able to begin to accept my loss(s) and the change(s) that occur in my life.
With my awareness, I have come to understand why many individuals are unable to accept my reality, my loss(s) or the change(s) that have occurred because of my traumatic / acquired brain injury. For individuals to confront their denial and ignorance, they would have to work through a grieving process that ultimately would result in them having to make changes. Changes in their belief system, in themselves and in the way in which they relate to who they do not understand.
In January of this year I wrote an article series on Traumatic Brain Injury — How to be a Brain Injury Advocate. In this article series I explain some of the lessons that I learned through my process of confronting my ignorance and denial and addressing the ignorance and denial of family, friends and society as a whole. I would encourage you to spend time reading through the 5 part article series. I believe that by doing so, you will be empowered to confront the fear(s) and the insecurity(ies), that may be keeping you stuck in a box defined by — your and other people’s — denial and ignorance.
And as you move through your process, please remember that you do not have to be alone. I am always available. I would invite you to contact me through my email address: secondchancetolive1@yahoo or by leaving a comment / confidential email on my Contact Information Page.
If you have any questions or would like to make a comment please use my Contact Information Page.
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