When a person suffers a severe head injury, the results are often devastating and life-changing. One of the most common complications is traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can occur after an accident. The severity of TBI symptoms depends upon how and where the injury occurred, as well as the individual’s age, overall health, and whether other injuries were sustained.

It is hard to recover from TBI. If your loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, here are some ways you can help them in their recovery:

Learn and understand about their brain injury

The best way to support someone with TBI is to learn and understand what they are going through. This helps you empathize better with them and know what they might need. You can read and watch videos about TBI and ask your loved one which side effects they personally experience. You can also accompany them during their check-ups and discuss with their physician the different coping strategies that you can help with.

Be patient and gentle

A brain injury is possibly the worst experience that your loved one has ever gone through. Thus, it’s normal for them to feel overwhelmed and emotional. Their disposition might vary from day to day—one day they might feel good, the next day they might be quite challenging to handle. So, it’s important for you to remain as patient as you can with them.

Being patient might be difficult at times, especially when you’re tired too. But it’s likely that your loved one is just as frustrated with themselves as you are. Also, don’t take it personally if they suddenly express negative emotions toward you. This could be a common side effect of their brain injury.

Encourage them to get proper support

Recovering from a brain injury entails more than physical care; emotional support is just as crucial to the injured person as well. 

Brain injuries can cause significant changes in a person’s behavior. TBI damages the areas of the brain that regulates emotions and impulse. As a result, your loved ones might often exhibit anger and aggression. This could lead to major depression, substance abuse, and behavior problems without proper support.

Encourage your loved one to join a medical and social support group. Knowing that your loved one is not alone and has the support of family, friends, and medical professionals will help them recover quicker.

Provide a sense of normalcy and familiarity

TBI can drastically change a person’s life. Your loved one might feel like their life has turned upside down, causing them to feel uncomfortable, disoriented, and unsure about themselves. You can help them overcome this situation by giving them a sense of structure, so they can feel like they are in control of their life. 

Here are some of the things you can do to provide familiarity:

  • Establish and maintain a daily routine for your loved one. Make sure it’s something that they can easily follow.
  • Speak and interact with them as you normally would. Include them in daily conversations and activities.
  • Try to keep their environment the way they remember it.
  • Keep your family’s photo albums within reach to remind them of familiar people, places, and events.

Offer to help them with their tasks

Your loved one may struggle to perform their daily tasks because of their injuries. During times like this, taking some of the load off their hands can mean a lot to them. You can offer practical support such as running errands, cooking a meal, cleaning the house, or watching their kids.

If you or your loved one has suffered traumatic brain injury from an accident, it’s important to learn where you stand legally and how the law applies in your own case. At 801-INJURED, we offer free case consultations, so please call or reach out if you or a loved one has suffered a TBI from an accident.