Archive for the ‘Brain Injury Coping tips’ Category

After a Concussion: How to Avoid Further Damage

Hearing from your doctor that you have sustained a concussion can be scary and challenging. Although most individuals will recover completely from a concussion, it is still important to know the steps to take to feel better. Even if you are only experiencing minor symptoms from your concussion, your body has still experienced a lot and needs to be taken care of. Read below for some tips on what to do after a concussion to avoid further damage.

Avoid physically demanding activities

The number one thing to do after a concussion is to REST. You may not be able to do the normal day to day activities that you are used to accomplishing, and it may take you longer to complete certain tasks. Be sure to listen to your healthcare professional’s guidance as to when you can return to your normal activities and when you can continue more physically demanding activities such as working out and house cleaning.

Take care of your body

Make sure you are also eating a good diet. If you need more support to get healthy food or meals, reach out to friends, family, or local organizations for support. Now is the time to be patient with your body and allow it time to heal.

Additionally, it is also important to be managing your medications that your physician has prescribed and also avoiding any other kinds of drugs or alcohol until your physician says you are well enough. If you have difficulty remembering to take your prescribed medications, be sure to ask a trusted friend or family member for help.

Prevent further concussion opportunities

While you are healing, it is very important that you try to reduce the chances of pumping or jolting your head. Because your brain is still healing, it is important to reduce any chance of further physical damage.

Join the TryMunity Community – We’re Here for You!

Do you have further questions about avoiding damage after a concussion? Don’t hesitate to contact TryMunity. Here at TryMunity, we provide a vast, comprehensive web of resources for just that! We also have several support systems for those afflicted with a traumatic brain injury, or who know of someone who is. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Join the TryMunity community today, and take advantage of all that we offer. We’re always happy to speak with you, and offer our assistance.

Transitional Housing: A Step Towards Independence After TBI

Educating others about TBIFor many survivors of traumatic brain injuries, specialized programs and treatment facilities are integral. It’s important find a supported living program that offers TBI survivors a safe, home-like environment and a supportive community. In addition, it’s important for TBI survivors to be in an atmosphere in which they can receive the utmost medical care, and are able to continue to develop motor, behavioral, and cognitive skills at their own pace. This is utterly critical.

Transitional housing for TBI survivors is incredibly important – survivors are often not able to simply transition from the hospital to living at home again. Most home and family settings are not designed to be conducive to TBI survivors – the brain injury patient requires certain mobility, medical, and safety standards. It is for this reason that transitional housing should be secured for any brain injury survivor.

Join the TryMunity Community – We’re Here for You!

Here at TryMunity, our primary mission is to promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of individuals who have experienced a brain injury. We believe in creating home-like, safe, supportive environments for survivors of TBIs, so that survivors are able to safely transition back into regular life. We strive to enable independence and productivity within the TBI community, particularly in the days after survivors make the transition from the hospital to a home.

Do you have further questions about transitional housing for TBI survivors? Don’t hesitate to contact TryMunity. Here at TryMunity, we provide a vast, comprehensive web of resources for just that! We also have several support systems for those afflicted with a traumatic brain injury, or who know of someone who is. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Join the TryMunity community today, and take advantage of all that we offer. We’re always happy to speak with you, and offer our assistance.

5 Practical Ways to Improve Your Job Skills After a TBI

Depression and TBIAre you attempting to find a job, post-TBI? Here are five practical ways to improve your job skills:

First, educate yourself. Educating yourself on the intricacies of traumatic brain injuries is an important first step. There are so many excellent TBI resources out there – here at TryMunity, we’ve included in-depth information on both traumatic and acquired brain injuries, as well as concussions.

Join a support group. This is key! Finding your community will help get you through.

Talk to people who’ve experienced a TBI and gotten jobs afterwards. Understanding, on a personal level, just how much brain injuries can affect people is key. Talking to someone who’s experienced a TBI will help provide invaluable insight into this health issue, and will likely give you a more nuanced, empathic overall perspective of brain injuries.

Give back to those in need. Donate to TryMunity today – your support will go towards raising awareness of this issue, and providing important support for families dealing with TBI.

Know that recovery of your skills is possible – but it may be a long road. The truth is, while exact recovery time is wholly dependent on the TBI patient’s injuries, recovery IS possible. There may also be long-term impacts and effects, which is why it’s always best to consult a neurologist or other professional to determine recovery time.

Join the TryMunity Community – We’re Here for You!

Do you have further questions about practical ways to improve your job skills after a TBI? Don’t hesitate to contact TryMunity. Here at TryMunity, we provide a vast, comprehensive web of resources for just that! We also have several support systems for those afflicted with a traumatic brain injury, or who know of someone who is. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Join the TryMunity community today, and take advantage of all that we offer. We’re always happy to speak with you, and offer our assistance.

Best Mobile Apps for Those Recovering from a TBI

TBI in the newsMobile apps and games can be a great source of comfort for those recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Check out our picks for the best apps out there:

 

  • Lumosity (iPhone users only). Lumosity is a fantastic app for improving your memory and attention span, in addition to your problem-solving skills. This app was actually designed by a group of neuroscientists, and has a plethora of exercises (name-face recognition, spatial tasks, etc.) to exercise your brain. Check it out!
  • Audible. Audible is a great way to listen to books on your mobile device This can really help a person afflicted with a TBI with their communication and memory retention skills.
  • Brain Workout (Android users only). We love Brain Workout! This is an excellent app that’s both easy to use and full of fun mini-games. You can even select different difficulty levels, if you want a true challenge. We’d recommend Brain Workout to just about anyone who wants to improve their memory and cognitive skills, in no time.
  • Awesome Memory. This app is simply one of the best memory improvement innovations on the market today!
  • Peak is one of the most popular brain challenge activities out there, for a reason. This Android/iPhone app has a collection of tons of effective mini-games and brain workouts.

 

Join the TryMunity Community – We’re Here for You!

Do you have further questions about how to find the best mobile apps for those recovering from a TBI? Don’t hesitate to contact TryMunity. Here at TryMunity, we provide a vast, comprehensive web of resources for just that! We also have several support systems for those afflicted with a traumatic brain injury, or who know of someone who is. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Join the TryMunity community today, and take advantage of all that we offer. We’re always happy to speak with you, and offer our assistance.

Recover Outdoors — How to Find Safe Activities for TBI Survivors

The Basics of TBIs and the NFLIf you or a loved one is recovering from a traumatic brain injury (or, TBI), then you’re likely well-aware of the importance of finding safe outdoor activities. It can be tough to know what is and isn’t safe, and you’ll undoubtedly want to be extra-careful, no matter what. To help you determine some activities that you may like to do, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites – and where to find them:

  • Fishing is a great (and safe!) outdoor leisure activity for someone who has suffered a TBI. This is a fantastic way to be outdoors without sacrificing your health. To find fishing in your area, search for Facebook groups or Google fishing organizations in your area – there are lots of groups out there!
  • Horticulture Activities. Learning more about gardening, planting flowers, and other horticulture-minded activities are fabulous for TBI survivors. Check for local gardening classes in your area, or simply buy some plants and get started on your own.
  • Water Aerobics and Swimming. Water sports are low-impact, safe, and offer a great way for TBI survivors to get in some exercise. Find an outdoor pool, lake, or local swimming hole and make it a point to get in some swim time!

Join the TryMunity Community – We’re Here for You!

Do you have further questions about how to find safe activities for traumatic brain injury survivors? Don’t hesitate to contact TryMunity. Here at TryMunity, we provide a vast, comprehensive web of resources for just that! We also have several support systems for those afflicted with a traumatic brain injury, or who know of someone who is. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Join the TryMunity community today, and take advantage of all that we offer. We’re always happy to speak with you, and offer our assistance.

Share Your Story of TBI Recovery – Even with Just One Person

Avoid Summer InjuriesHere’s the deal: when you’ve experienced a traumatic brain injury, telling your recovery story can be incredibly cathartic. And, there’s no one “right” time to do this. When YOU feel ready, that is the right time to share your story with the world – or at least with a few other people.

So, how do you go about doing this? Here are some ideas:

Use Meetups.com. This website is chock-full of all kinds of different “meet-up” groups (i.e. like-minded people who have formed a kind of club), so you’ll likely fund some great resources and groups here. Talk about a great way to share your recovery story!

Use Facebook. Facebook isn’t just a social media tool for finding friends and old high school classmates; it’s a great way to find other TBI survivors and groups so that you can share your story with the world. Facebook can be a great and supportive place to share your recovery story, and listen to others share their stories, as well.

Use TryMunity. Here at TryMunity, we’re proud to offer a widespread support network for TBI survivors and their families and friends. Consider joining us today, if you desire a safe place to talk about your traumatic brain injury.

Join the TryMunity Community – We’re Here for You!

Do you have further questions about how and when to share your recovery story? Don’t hesitate to contact TryMunity. Here at TryMunity, we provide a vast, comprehensive web of resources for just that! We also have several support systems for those afflicted with a traumatic brain injury, or who know of someone who is. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Join the TryMunity community today, and take advantage of all that we offer. We’re always happy to speak with you, and offer our assistance. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Best Memory Games to Exercise and Challenge Your Brain

brain injury supportWhen it comes to sharpening your brain power and memory, there are certain games and apps out there that can be very helpful. Even for those of us who haven’t been afflicted with a traumatic brain injury, many medical experts recommend keeping your brain sharp with exercises – just as you do for your body! Here are some of our personal favorites memory games & apps for challenging your brain:

  • Lumosity (iPhone users only). Lumosity is a fantastic app for improving your memory and attention span, in addition to your problem-solving skills. This app was actually designed by a group of neuroscientists, and has a plethora of exercises (name-face recognition, spatial tasks, etc.) to exercise your brain. Check it out!
  • Brain Workout (Android users only). We love Brain Workout! This is an excellent app that’s both easy to use and full of fun mini-games. You can even select different difficulty levels, if you want a true challenge. We’d recommend Brain Workout to just about anyone who wants to improve their memory and cognitive skills, in no time.
  • Peak is one of the most popular brain challenge activities out there, for a reason. This Android/iPhone app has a collection of tons of effective mini-games and brain workouts.

Join the TryMunity Community – We’re Here for You!

Do you have further questions about the best kinds of memory exercises and games to challenge your brain? Don’t hesitate to contact TryMunity. Here at TryMunity, we provide a vast, comprehensive web of resources for just that! We also have several support systems for those afflicted with a traumatic brain injury, or who know of someone who is. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Join the TryMunity community today, and take advantage of all that we offer. We’re always happy to speak with you, and offer our assistance.

How Support Groups Can Help Restore Normalcy After Brain Injury

How Does a Physician Test for TBI?You may not feel like you’re a “support group type of person”. The thought of going to a support group may feel intimidating, overwhelming, or simply unappealing. But, the truth is: if you’re struggling with a brain injury, a specialized support group & helpful community can help to restore normalcy, speed up the recovery process, and make you feel deeply supported by people who care.

  • Telling your story, and listening to others’ stories, will help you feel less alone. Perhaps it’s a cliché, but it’s also true. When we engage with people around us who are going through the same thing that we are, this can help us to feel less alone. Talking about similar, shared experiences can also help to normalize a surreal situation.
  • You’ll feel less insecure about your condition. Having a brain injury can make you feel inadequate, and insecure about the things that no longer come easy to you. By participating in a support group, you’ll inevitably start to feel certain insecurities melt away when you realize that others are going through the same thing, and experiencing the same negative thoughts.
  • You’ll relearn how to be part of the world. A brain injury can result in feelings of loneliness and isolation. Support groups can help you to remember that you are still a part of the world, just as much as you were before your injury.

Join the TryMunity Community – We’re Here for You!

Do you have further questions about brain injury support groups? At TryMunity, we provide a vast web of resources and support systems for those afflicted with a traumatic brain injury, or who know of someone who is. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Join the TryMunity community today, and take advantage of all that we offer. We’re always happy to speak with you and offer our assistance!

Maintaining an Active Lifestyle After Brain Injury

The Basics of TBIs and the NFLWhen it comes to recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), there is a fine balance between resting and being active. Too much activity certainly isn’t optimal — but, then again, neither is too much inactivity. Some studies have even shown that patients with traumatic brain injuries recover faster when they engage in some form of pre-approved, mild physical activity.

It’s true that, after a TBI, a person may not immediately feel like getting exercise. After a TBI, most patients will be physically incapable of performing even the simplest of physical tasks. This is, of course, very normal. But it’s also true that, after enough time has passed (and after discussing it with your doctor), exercise in this case can be wholly beneficial. Some amount of activity may help you speed along your recovery time.

In the first few weeks after your TBI, no matter how severe, it’s generally recommended to refrain from as much physical activity as possible, and to get a sufficient amount of rest. After this period of inactivity, you can start to engage in some light aerobics. Things like swimming, walking, or another type of light exercise are all great ways to stay active. (It’s important to check with your doctor, first.) Any kind of resistance training, strength training, or other types of strenuous activity are not recommended.

Join the TryMunity Community – We’re Here for You!

Do you have further questions about how to maintain an active lifestyle after a brain injury? At TryMunity, we provide a vast web of resources and support systems for those afflicted with a traumatic brain injury, or who know of someone who is. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Join the TryMunity community today, and take advantage of all that we offer. We’re always happy to speak with you and offer our assistance!

5 Signs of a Concussion

How to Find TBI Groups in Your CommunityA concussion is a traumatic brain injury, caused by a strike or blow to the head that causes the brain to suffer trauma. And, though every concussion varies in its severity, these types of head injuries should be treated immediately, regardless of how “serious” the problem may seem.

Scarily enough: many people afflicted with concussions don’t exhibit outward symptoms until days, or even weeks, after the traumatic event.

However, there are some concrete ways to determine if someone has a concussion. Here are the five signs of a concussion:

  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Impaired speech
  • Dizziness
  • Memory loss, or difficulty concentrating

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms after a traumatic event, it’s crucial to implore them to seek immediate medical attention. If gone untreated, concussions can lead to major mental health and brain-related issues. Even if you’re convinced that a concussion isn’t serious, it’s always a good idea to seek medical assistance, anyway. You can never be too careful when it comes to this type of traumatic brain injury.

Need assistance or support with your traumatic brain injury?

Are you or a loved one in need of support for your brain injury? Here at TryMunity, we’ve created a loving and knowledgeable space for people who’ve been afflicted by TBI’s, as well as their family members and friends. Contact us today to get involved in our community – our members are ready to swap stories with you, and provide the support and comfort you deserve.

To learn more about TryMunity, to join our community, or to find out how you can help us raise awareness for traumatic brain injuries: get in touch with us via our online contact form. We’re here to help answer your questions!