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By Eleanor McAlpine.

John, a 35-year-old man who sustained a moderate TBI in a car accident. He was initially overwhelmed with anger, frustration, and sadness, unable to return to work or engage with family and friends. Through counseling, John learned to cope with his emotions, reduce anxiety, and develop strategies for dealing with memory loss. Over time, his mental health improved, and he regained confidence in navigating daily life.

John was 35 when he was rear-ended at a stoplight. The impact of the high-speed collision resulted in a moderate traumatic brain injury. He was initially overwhelmed with the symptoms, light sensitivity, confusion, headaches, and the feelings of loss and frustration. He had previously been a gregarious extrovert, a great storyteller, but since the brain injury he has been unable to socialize and even has difficulty putting his thoughts into words.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. TBI can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, with effects that can last a lifetime. For John, the injury fell somewhere between mild and severe. When John was informed that some of his symptoms will decreaseover time, it is likely that he will remain affected by the injury for the rest of his life, he decended into a depression. 

Symptoms can vary widely, including headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. “The effects of TBI can be physical, emotional, and cognitive,” says Dr. Jennifer G. O’Neill, a neurologist specializing in brain injuries. “People often experience changes in mood, depression, anxiety, and difficulty with social interactions, which can be just as debilitating as the physical symptoms.”

While medical treatment focuses on healing the brain physically, counseling offers a vital tool for addressing the emotional and psychological aftermath of TBI. “Counseling provides a safe space for individuals to express their feelings and process the trauma,” explains Dr. Emily Roberts, a clinical psychologist specializing in brain injury recovery. “Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help patients manage emotional challenges, such as depression or PTSD, while also helping them develop coping strategies for cognitive difficulties.”

A study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that TBI patients who underwent psychological counseling experienced significant improvements in mental health and coping abilities.

When John learned that by working in collaboration with a counsellor he could develop resilience and find a sense of hope and optimism again, he enrolled immediately. Through various interventions including CBT where his thinking about “the way things are” was challenged and clarified, and other therapies where he built his emotional resilience and a toolbox of options for the difficulties of managing a chronic condition. John did the work to improve his quality of life by learning relaxation techniques, and learning to deal with relationship changes.

For those recovering from TBI, seeking help from both medical and mental health professionals is essential for a holistic recovery. Counseling not only aids in processing trauma but also helps individuals regain control over their emotions and rebuild their lives.

Today John is able to reengage with his family and friends. He has requested accomodations in his workplace that have allowed him to return to work. Most importantly, John no longer feels trapped and frustrated by his symptoms but is enjoying his life again.

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Traumatic Brain Injury.
  • O’Neill, J. G. (2023). Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury. Journal of Neurology.
  • Roberts, E. (2022). The Role of Counseling in Brain Injury Recovery. Journal of Clinical Psychology.
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