Invisible Truths About Brain Injuries Unveiled...
Suicide, The Untold Toll of Brain Injury
I had moments when I believed my family would be better off without me.
During my brain injury recovery, feelings that I was worthless crept in, leading me to think that nothing I did was good enough.
Early in my brain injury recovery journey, I faced days filled with pain, confusion, and fatigue. On top of that, I felt immense pressure to return to work, which added emotional and mental stress as I tried to meet the demands of my job. This took a significant toll on my already fragile mental health.
Occasionally during my commute to work, I displayed impulsive, risky behavior that, frankly, put my life in danger. There were instances of road rage where I would scream in frustration, speeding recklessly without a care for my own safety. Thankfully, those moments were brief, but deeply unsettling.
Eight Years After My TBI, Resting Before Flying to Niagara Falls, Canada
Although I never spoke about these thoughts or episodes with my neuropsychologist, my neurocognitive testing revealed that I tended to minimize my health concerns. The test findings highlighted my risk of burning out while juggling work and my recovery.
During your recovery, it's reasonable to be sad, frustrated, or angry because of losses or changes you are facing after your brain injury.
If you often feel helpless or worthless, lose interest in activities you once enjoyed, have difficulty sleeping, or notice changes in your appetite, these may be signs of depression. In that case, it's essential to seek help from a mental health specialist.
If you ever find yourself having thoughts about death or considering self-harm, please know that it's crucial to seek medical evaluation and support. If you need immediate help, call or text 988 Lifeline.
A brain injury can increase your risk of suicide.
Fortunately, with medication, talking to a psychologist who specialized in brain injuries, and time, those thoughts faded away from my mind.
Some people need to grieve what they have lost and what has changed after a brain injury. Your grieving can be incredibly challenging and complex. Emotional and behavioral struggles can arise, and you deserve support in navigating these challenges. Please reach out to a mental health specialist who has experience with brain injuries.
Don't suffer through these symptoms alone. You're not alone in this journey; it's important to seek the help you deserve because you and your brain truly matter. Get the help you and your brain deserve.
If you need immediate help call/text 988 lifeline.
Take care, get better, get stronger,
Kelly Tuttle
Brain-Loving Advocate
P.S. As a brain injury survivor, I understand the challenges of reintegration into the workforce. If you're also a survivor looking to return to work, please visit my website for my online program: Return to Work and Life After a Brain Injury.
You can also find my book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, and additional resources.
My book, After the Crash, is also on Audible.
My book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, can be found on Amazon or at your favorite independent bookstore
I created a journal just for you! Check out My Brain Injury Recovery Journal