A traumatic brain injury can leave you battling numerous repercussions that require ongoing treatment. You may feel and behave differently as a result of the trauma.
Feeling foreign in your own body may trigger anxiety and feelings of uncertainty and hopelessness. Knowing the impact of a TBI can help you identify your next steps.
Emotion management
One way you might notice changes to your personality is through your response to your emotions. According to Cognitive FX, a brain injury interrupts the information processing systems in your brain which control how you respond to emotions. For example, you might experience sudden mood changes and emotional outbursts.
Depending on the severity of your injury, you may feel as though you cannot control how you react to certain people, situations or triggers. Participating in therapy might help you learn how to manage your injury and balance the changes in your brain and your emotions.
Social interaction
Another change you could notice in your personality is the way you interact with other people. You may feel more withdrawn or anxious around people. Contrarily, you might be more extroverted and care less than you should about how you behave in public.
Interactions with family members and friends may feel foreign for some time while everyone acclimates to your TBI and its nuances. You might require more assistance, increased patience and emotional awareness. Recognizing the changes in your personality can help you prepare to interact with people different than you might have in the past.
Traumatic brain injuries can change your personality. However, with the right support and customized treatment, you can acclimate to your condition and continue to live a healthy, happy life.
