It is common for people who suffer from traumatic brain injury to go through many behavioral changes later. Each individual is different and changes will vary greatly. However, it’s possible for mild concussions to alter the personality of the person. Knowing the ways that you may be affected can be helpful to you and others that provide you with the support you need at this difficult time.
Types of Behavioral Problems
There are a number of behavioral changes associated with TBI, and these are listed below:
- Social behavior changes
- Being more emotional
- More difficulty concentrating
Neurological dysfunction is at the cause of these problems occurring, and the extent of the changes will vary.
Mood Swings
Many brain injuries affect the frontal lobe of the brain, damaging the areas involved in emotional control. Afterwards, sufferers may have rapidly changing emotions, regularly going from angry to happy to crying in only a matter of moments. Some TBI survivors have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses with increased stress, which is worsened by cognitive problems and loss of independence.
The period after a traumatic brain injury can be frustrating and scary for a survivor. They often do not understand what happened to them, and realizing that they have losses in memory or motor skills can be upsetting. The best way caregivers can help is to remain patient and supportive throughout the healing and recovery processes.
Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression are common symptoms for people who have suffered a brain injury. This can stem from the magnitude of the injury and not being able to perform routine tasks as easily. It is common for individuals with the most severe injury to be extremely depressed and experience greater amounts of anxiety.
The best thing caregivers can do is to provide support by saying positive things and being there for the person with the injury.
Recognition of Problems
It’s important for caregivers to watch friends or family members who have suffered a brain injury. This will be helpful in seeing things that the injured may not fully recognize as being problematic.
Taking the time to look for major and minor changes in your loved ones behavior can help identify these and work toward finding solutions.
At TryMunity, we know that family members and friends are the support system of the person who has the brain injury. Be sure to learn ways to help this individual recover quickly and offer the needed love and support for a full recovery.
Our online support community is made for brain injury survivors to provide the necessary encouragement to assist with a full recovery. Be sure to visit us and read some of the inspiring stories that others offer and share yours, as well.
