Does accepting one's brain injury eventually come to everyone?

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I was at the top of my profession–a Sr. Technical Trainer at hospitals and then a law firm. And I was a runner, the most fit among my friends. So why did I have a stroke which, incidentally, I didn’t accept then or even completely now, what happened to me 15 years ago. So I thought for a long time. Maybe this blog will shed some light.

Not everyone fully accepts their brain injury, even over time. Acceptance is a profoundly personal, sometimes non-linear process influenced by the individual’s situation, the amount of support systems, and mental wellness.

Some people find ways to adapt and reimagine their identity, while others may struggle with persistent feelings of loss or denial. Here are some considerations as to why acceptance varies:

Emotional and Psychological Factors:

- Denial, grief, and anger may persist for years, particularly if the injury drastically changes a person’s life or identity.
- Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress can also make acceptance harder.

Severity of Injury and Self-Perception:

- Some survivors have cognitive impairments that limit their awareness of their injury, making acceptance less likely.
- Others are fully aware of their limitations, which can sometimes increase frustration and delay acceptance.

Time and Perspective:

- Acceptance may take years, and for some, it remains elusive. Others may find partial acceptance, embracing some changes while still mourning losses.

Support Systems:

- Strong support networks of family, friends, and professionals can help individuals find meaning and adapt to new realities.
- Lack of support can leave survivors feeling isolated, impeding the acceptance process.

Therapy and Coping Mechanisms:

- Access to counseling, support groups, and rehabilitation services can foster acceptance by providing tools to adapt to limitations.
- Without these resources, individuals may feel stuck in a cycle of frustration and grief.

Key factors that encourage and not guarantee acceptance are:

- Emphasizing what one can do helps shift the narrative from loss to adaptation.
- Finding meaningful activities or roles helps individuals rebuild their identity.
- Sharing experiences with others who have similar challenges can validate feelings and promote acceptance.

Even without full acceptance, individuals can lead fulfilling lives by focusing on adaptation, setting realistic goals, and finding joy in the present world. This may involve redefining success and finding new ways to engage with the world.

Managing a brain injury while struggling with acceptance is challenging, but there are tools and techniques that can help address the symptoms and improve quality of life.

Focusing on practical approaches rather than emotional processing can provide a pathway toward functionality and healing, even if acceptance isn’t part of the journey yet. Here are some suggestions:

- Cooperate with a physical therapist to improve mobility, strength, and coordination. They can customize exercises to target areas affected by the brain injury.
- Learn from the occupational therapist a variety of adaptive techniques to perform daily tasks more effectively with one hand or other physical limitations.
- If communication is impacted, a speech therapist can help improve articulation or introduce alternative communication strategies.
- Engage in activities to improve sensory integration, like balance exercises, tactile stimulation, or visual tracking tasks.
- Work on memory, attention, and problem-solving tasks. Apps like Lumosity or CogniFit offer structured brain-training exercises.
- Create a structured daily schedule to reduce cognitive load and foster a sense of control.
- Even if acceptance feels out of reach, mindfulness can help manage frustration and anxiety related to the injury.
- Use habit trackers or positive reinforcement to stay consistent with beneficial routines.
- Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid overwhelm.
- Connect with brain injury groups or forums (online or offline) for shared tips and experiences, even if you’re not ready to discuss emotional aspects.
- Adapt your living space with assistive devices (grab bars, non-slip mats) to enhance independence and safety.
- Work with a nutritionist to ensure you’re eating for optimal brain health, even if your sense of taste and smell are affected.
- Keep a daily log of achievements and setbacks. This can help you see improvement over time, even without focusing on acceptance.