Getting Through Stages of Change After Brain Injury

‘Tips for Getting Through the Stages of Change After Brain Injury”  –  this is another list I found in my archives. It is a single well worn sheet with ‘Bear in Mind presentation’ across the top.

 

Change After Brain Injury. Green grassy hil with blue sky with Change written with cloud form

 

Bear in Mind is now Brain Injury Matters  an organisation in Melbourne, Australia for and by people with brain injury.  “Brain Injury Matters Inc (BIM) facilitates self-advocacy and community education for people living with an  Acquired Brain Injury. BIM is currently organising events and improving this website to better deliver these services.”

See what you think about these tips – are they useful when managing change after brain injury?  Well not just the changes after brain injury, any major change really. Please add your comments below.

This is the complete list – without me butting in to comment. I leave it to you to take on board what you might find useful:

 

Tips for Getting Through the Stages of Change After Brain Injury

From Bear in Mind

 

1 Losing Focus

Expect some forgetfulness

Use To-Do lists

Ask for clarification of expectations and temporary lines of authority

 

2  Minimizing the impact

Tell yourself the truth about what’s happening. List the gains and losses associated with the change. Be honest about what you’re losing or giving up.

If others offer help but you’re not ready to accept it, respond in a way the leaves the door open for their support at a later date.

Take one step at a time.

Don’t stay in this stage too – long but don’t try to end it precipitously either. Start gathering your courage for the next stage, which is the most difficult.

 

3  The Pit

Expect to feel angry discouraged, and resentful. If you know what’s happening inside you, you’re more likely to keep your equilibrium.

Let yourself experience the feelings. Suppressing or denying them will make it more difficult for you to deal with change in the future.

Find a safe place to express your feelings, preferable with someone who can listen comfortably without taking them on or trying to talk you out of them.

Develp a positive vision of what things will be like when you’ve finished this transition, then think of it often. People with a clear vision have an easier time getting through the pit.

 

4  Letting go of the past

Say good-bye to the past, either formally or informally. You might do this with a “letting-go” ritual. An example of such a ritual would be to review what was positive about the past, recount good memories, ad then bury it. Or it may be more appropriate to have a graduation party.

Allow some sadness and longing for the way things used to be.

As you look ahead, think of what you’ll need to adjust to the change – new skills  and new approaches, for example. Consider specific ways to obtain them.

Take care of yourself. Celebrate the small successes.

 

5  Testing the Limits

Seek new experiences and ways to use the skills you’ve gained.

Spend time with people who have experienced the same change or loss.

Talk about the past only with those who will listen and not become impatient.

Associate with people who are encouraging and supportive.

 

6  Search for Meaning

Spend time reflecting on your experiences since the change occurred. Sort through your feelings. Ask yourself: “What have I learned that I didn’t know before?”

Look back to how you handled the different emotional stages. Notice which were particularly difficult and give yourself a pat on the back for getting through them.

Find others going through the same experience. Listen carefully to see if you can offer any support.

 

7  Integration

Appreciate reaching this final stage. (It doesn’t always happen.)

Recognize how far you’ve come and the skills you’ve learned along the way.

 

Any thoughts, comments, additions you can think of for this list?

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Christene

    I want to thank you for your blog posts. I am a social worker recovery from a brain injury. I found your blog a week ago and it is helping me crawl back up out of this pitfall in my life. I won’t write much as I am still finding my words.

    1. Melanie Atkins

      Oh Christene I am so pleased the blog has been useful. Thank you for taking the time to write. Regards Melanie

  2. Matthew Gale

    Melanie,
    I’m very fortunate to have been introduced to your Blog, early in the peace in my recovery from my ABI last year. With Mr ABI and Mrs Fatigue always there at my side to keep me honest if I don’t acknowledge them and give them the respect they deserve. I know now, tomorrow will always be a different story . Your resource is worth all the tea in China . Thanks

    1. Melanie Atkins

      Matthew thank you so much for you kind words. It is wonderful to know these articles are useful. I very much like your reference to Mr ABI and Mrs Fatigue! Kind regards Melanie

Comments are closed.