Fatigue is a very common symptom for many individuals following a brain injury. Individuals following a brain injury may experience depression, sleep disturbances, and chronic pain. All of these factors, and more, can create both physical and mental fatigue.
If you or someone you love is currently experiencing fatigue following a brain injury, there are ways to help. Read below for some tips on how to handle this inconvenient and frustrating issue.
Follow up with your doctor
As stated above, many different issues related to your brain injury may be impacting your fatigue and your ability to get adequate rest. Your doctor will be able to help you determine whether or not your fatigue is related to medication side effects, depression, stress, or the brain injury itself.
Your doctor is the expert on your care, so be sure to check in with them regularly, and especially if you have significant changes in your fatigue or in your ability to function.
Schedule time to Rest
We live in a busy world in which we are all pushed to go, go, go all the time. Be sure that you are scheduling in periods of rest throughout your busy day. Time of rest is integral to managing your fatigue and making it through the day. These periods of rest should be free of distractions and responsibilities.
If possible, speak with your family and employer to see how you can schedule in periods of rest in your day.
Ask for Help
We all have times in our lives where we need support from those we love. If you are experiencing intense fatigue following a brain injury be sure to let others know how to best support you. Although it can be difficult to ask others for their support, knowing that you do not have to accomplish everything on your own may help to relieve stress and improve your feelings of fatigue.
Try to live a healthy lifestyle
Healthy lifestyle, including a consistently healthy diet and exercise will do wonders for your fatigue. Be sure that you are eating three meals a day and avoiding excessive caffeine or sugar. Although caffeine and sugar may provide you with a short boost of energy, they will also create a sugar crash shortly after. Caffeine may also impact your ability to get high quality sleep.
Be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning any sort of exercise or significant change in your diet.
Join the TryMunity Community – We’re Here for You!
Do you have further questions about chronic fatigue after a brain injury? 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.
