Some people with Traumatic Brain Injury or “TBI” Emotional Changes After often have a hard time a Traumatic Brain Injury controlling their . “EMOTIONAL LABILITY” “Emotional lability” can be caused by damage to the parts of the brain that control .

Some people with Tbi may have intense mood swings. They may go from happy, to angry, to sad very quickly. Usually they can’t control this.

Dr. Cushing told me that my emotions will probably That’s great! Counseling become “more normal” So what can can help you manage your after the first few months. emotions better. There I do? are also medications that can stabilize mood.

For now my family and I are talking to counselors If you or your loved one to help us cope. are experiencing this, the first step is to talk to your doctor.

How can your family 1. Remain Calm. Avoid Reacting emotionally. help? 2. Gently Change the subject or suggest Great question! Here’s doing something else. a list of a few things you can do to help... 3. Get them to a quiet area. This will help them regain control.

4. Give the person a chance to talk calmly.

5. Acknowledge their .

6. Provide feedback gently and supportively after they regain control.

http://depts.washington.edu/tbicomic/ http://depts.washington.edu/tbicomic/ I’m afraid of making mistakes and that makes me feel like everyone is watching and judging me, even when they “” probably aren’t .

Anxiety is a feeling of or nervousness People with TBI may get anxious about how well that’s too strong for the situation. People with they’re able to do things. TBI may feel anxious without knowing why...

Being rushed, being This reminds me in crowds, or sudden of the accident... changes in plans can cause anxiety.

Post traumatic stress disorder is Sometimes the memory of how a a form of anxiety that can occur person got injured gets played after an accident and can be trig- over in their head and interferes gered by reminders of the injury. w i th s l e e p.

Why Does I get anxious when I’m driving, Anxiety especially when I’m trying to Happen? find someplace new.

I’m getting anxious just thinking about that stuff...

After a TbI, anxiety is very common, especially when there are a lot of demands, like taking Anxiety often happens when there are a test, or being in a too many demands on a person... noisy environment.

So what can I do about Anxiety? Counseling is good for managing anxiety, there are also medications that can Try to reduce environmental help. Discuss these options stresses that cause anxiety. with your doctor.

WHITE NOISE MACHINE

Add structure or routine to daily activities.

http://depts.washington.edu/tbicomic/ http://depts.washington.edu/tbicomic/ “DEPRESSION” Common Symptoms of

- Feelings that you are sad or It’s normal to have feelings of , worthless , or loss after a TBI. I started feeling really sad - Changes in sleep or appetite a few months after my injury, when i realized it would have a - Trouble focusing long term impact on my life... - Feeling distant or withdrawn from others

- Loss of in or from life

- Feeling tired or having little energy

Because these signs of depression are also common effects of brain injury, they don’t always mean depression, they’re more likely caused by depression if they begin a few weeks after the injury.

WHat Causes Depression After a TBI?

Ahh, C’mon..

Depression can arise as someone People may become depressed Depression can also be caused by struggles to adjust to a when adjusting to their new role chemical changes or damage to temporary or lasting disability. in their family or community. parts of the brain that control emotions.

WHat Can be done about Depression?

Aerobic exercise and daily Either counseling, Depression is not a sign of routines helped me medication , or a weakness. You can’t just reduce my depression. combination of both “get over it”. Depression is can help some people an illness. with depression.

It’s best to take action as soon as possible. If you or someone you has these symptoms, talk to your Doctor. Don’t wait! http://depts.washington.edu/tbi/

http://depts.washington.edu/tbicomic/

What can be done about depression? “TEMPER OUTBURSTS Family members or AND ” individuals with TBI often describe having a “short fuse” or a quick temper. Ahhh! I just get irritated so easily!!!

Studies show that 71% of people with TBI are frequently irritable.

WHy Does this many reasons... Happen? People with TBI get angry for many reasons...

...I’m Frustrated and unhappy with ...I forget things how my life has and can’t cha nged. concentrate well.

...I’m in a lot ...I feel alone, of . depressed and misunderstood.

...I lost my job and a lot of my ...I have damage to independence. the part of my brain that controls emotions. ...I get tired e a s i ly.

WHat Can I do about my Temper and Irritability?

Reduce stress and decrease People with TBI can learn some basic management skills like irritating situations. self-calming, techniques and better communication. http://depts.washington.edu/tbicomic/

http://depts.washington.edu/tbicomic/ Make sure that they know that Don’t argue with them it is not ok to threaten to hurt while they are having an People or yell at them outburst, let them calm down first. ” When the person is calm set rules for communication.

e i t personally, remember their anger is due to their injury.

Family Members can Help too!

Counseling, medication or a combination of both Don’t take it personally, remember can be helpful when working with a doctor. their anger is due to their injury.

Make sure they know that it Don’t argue with them is not ok to threaten to hurt while they are having an people or yell at them. outburst, let them calm do wn first.

When the person is calm, set rules for communication.

Don’t give in just to calm them down after the outburst is over, have a conversation.

Some other ways to calm down are meditation, leaving the room, or going for a short walk (but make sure to tell people when you will be back).

WHat’s the Next Step?

If you or someone in your family is ...Talk to you Doctor and ask them if dealing with depression, anxiety or medication, a psychological emotional lability... evaluation, or counseling could help.

http://depts.washington.edu/tbicomic/

http://depts.washington.edu/tbicomic/ More about Medications

It may take some time to see results. Your dose may need to be Be pati ent. adjusted by your doctor or If you or your family member you may need to try differ- are taking medications for any ent medications before you of these problems it’s important find the one that works best. to work closely with your doctor Except in an emergency, do and be sure to keep your follow not stop taking the medication up appointments. your doctor has prescribed There can be a delay before without talking to them first. the medication starts working.

Peer Support and other resources

I laugh at strange times. I had that too. It got better after a few months.

We can help!

Remember not all help comes Peer mentoring is when somebody who is in the same situation helps from health care professionals! you cope with problems they may have dealt with themselves.

Contact your local brain injury organization to find out what resources they may be able to offer!

A brain injury support group can be a fantastic source of peer support; some groups are open to people with TBI or their family members; other groups are open to everyone.

http://depts.washington.edu/tbicomic/ http://depts.washington.edu/tbicomic/

A brain injury support group can be a fantastic source of peer support; some groups are open to people with TBI or their family members; other groups are open to everyone. http://depts.washington.edu/tbicomic/