Leslie

hm...well, all i can tell you is that it does get better with time.  i struggled some with that especally right after my injury, and mine is also TBI-related, but things get much better with time as the brain heals itself.  one thing that has been infinitely helpful for me is to see a counselor.

30 months ago

BARB

It helps me to talk about it--if I hold it in I just implode.  

Life changed so much, that I need to often remind myself I am not just a 'lump'.  That I do have a purpose and do have a reason for still being here.  

I have tried a couple of support groups, and would love to have couples counceling.  My husband does not 'get' the isolation or frustration... Not allowed to drive, and the only 'TBI Knowledgeable' counselor in my area I have had to cancel appointments because my husband was too 'busy'.  

30 months ago

Karen

I think that stress is the culprit. Being overstressed about anything can lead to anger. I have been struggling for over 12 years and have finally come to grips with it. I say no when I want to say no. I go when I want to go. I do what I want to do. I ask for help when I even think I am about to do to much. I know my limits and I am no longer held back by the guilt of  not doing something. It is a battle than I can no longer deal with and won't. If someone has a problem with it, it is their problem now and they will solve it. Life is too short and I am only 1 person. I need to concentrate on me.

30 months ago

Lynnette

From my nursing knowledge I can tell you that increased anger, frustration, and irritability are hallmark signs of TBI. Survivors are almost always more impulsive, esp at first when foggy from coma.When you think about it, anger and frustration are perfectly normal reactions to having your life turned upside down. Things you have done without thinking your whole life without thinking, now become monumental tasks. Grieving for the YOU that doesn't seem to be there anymore, changing and lost relationships, fear of the unknown. You survivors would be abnormal if you didn't feel angry. The big thing here is learning how to channel that anger to help in your recovery, not hinder it. Also, aiming your anger and frustration at someone besides loved one's who are trying to help. I truly believe the entire family needs to have therapy as a part of recovery. They need to understand what is expected, and everyone needs the tools to deal with each other in a refocused manner. What I'm trying to say is-if you were mom, running the house, taking care of everyone, breadwinner-but now you have to learn to walk again, this effects the whole family, and not knowing what to do causes you to have frustration and anger issues.

30 months ago

Joe

Life is a challenge for everybody, but for us we are doubly challenged with the "normal' life and our "new" life. I have been tested with my job and family issues. Yes I have been angreed with a lot of people because they have no compation for other people and especiallly us. My co-workers thought I should be "normal" and know what to do and how to do it. My anger was for toward them because they only thought about themselves (thats how life is now) and the heck with everybody else.

There was a lot of anger toward my immediate family back then. I was only "loved' for my salary back then. They did not help me with my therapy way back when. There was a party made for finacial problems from my co-workers when I was in the hospital and they spent the money for the wrong things. i was then treated like a child because I had reading problems and mathmatic problems. Our apartment was placed in housing court because they did not pay the rent on time. there was a lot of anger there because I realized that I was only a pay check in that place.

Anger can realy bother Our health and finances. A lot of medication may not help but releasing your anger on paper can help release some of your anger. I have vented myself on paper many times. I have felt a release of stress/anger after getting it of my chest. There is also Tai-chi meditation or going to a place where you can use boxing gloves in a gym to release the anger also.

So keep yourself cool and vent yourself on paper or a physical way to release the anger. Also count to 10 or 100 slowly when needed.

30 months ago

BARB

NOT WELL!

I spend a good amount of time angry.  My husband has been in the longest 'state of denial' I have ever heard of... 5 years is a bit long....  We were supposed to go to counseling last year--after a year of bugging him--and it was over shadowed by a 'more important thing' with his work--which he hasn't worked for that company in over 18 months now... We are scheduled (AGAIN) with the same therapist (bless her) who SPECIALIZES in TBI.  Now seizures have been added to the mix... BLAH.  

30 months ago

penny

well im 16 and I became a TBI when i was a year old so i hav been going thow that for 15 years it never go's away but it will get better  in time.

30 months ago

Paige

My actual injury occured in 1990.  I've been more prone to anger since.  I've never been a patient person, but this anger is worse than just being impatient.

30 months ago