Anxiety is common after a TBI due to the changes in behavior, cognition, and physical functions. Though these issues can be difficult to overcome, it isn’t impossible to do so. However, some triggers may slow the healing process, including chronic self-monitoring and engaging in emotionally charged exchanges.
Although avoiding these triggers is vital to improve your recovery, they aren’t the only aspect of healing to consider. Brain injuries and other neurological problems require proper treatment. These may include rehabilition therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and emotional support to manage any symptoms or complications. It’s best to discuss treatment options with your doctor, including any factors that may prevent healing, such as the following.
TBI Anxiety – 2 Hidden Causes to Avoid
Traumatic brain injuries vary in severity, depending on the cause of the damage. Afterward, you may experience headaches, speech problems, disorientation, memory issues, and unusual mood changes. According to experts, TBIs also increase the risk of anxiety and related disorders, which can alter your behavior in unexpected ways. The following are two triggers to watch for and avoid to meet your recovery goals.
1. Avoid constant self-monitoring
Issues with self-monitoring are one of the many cognitive changes causing TBI anxiety. Individuals may not even realize the extent of their cognitive problems, even if those around them notice such changes. This may trigger rigid self-monitoring.
Of course, self-monitoring isn’t always a negative habit. There is evidence proving that such focus on your behavior benefits you in several ways. Doing so helps you thrive in social situations and improve your overall functions.
The issues arise when self-monitoring forces you to focus excessively on the changes caused by your brain injury. You may set unrealistic goals for healing that are difficult or impossible to meet. If you fail, motivation decreases, and anxiety levels rise, preventing you from meeting many of your TBI recovery goals.
To avoid triggering such detrimental responses, it’s crucial to steer clear of constant self-monitoring. Discuss realistic goals with your medical team, selecting those that are easily achievable, especially initially. As you meet those goals, motivation and confidence levels increase, advancing your recovery.
2. Avoid emotionally charged conversations
Changes in behavior, including altered emotional responses, are another common issue increasing anxiety after a TBI. Many people experience mood swings, ranging from extreme joy to severe anger. These are characterized by sudden fits of laughter, crying, or yelling.
Social behaviors may also change, depending on the extent of the damage you’ve suffered. Saying unexpected things, even making hurtful comments, and frequently interrupting others could occur.
These behaviors are difficult to manage when the individual is relaxed. During an emotionally charged conversation, their ability to maintain their mood or communication skills becomes more difficult. They may say things they don’t mean or lose control of their emotions. Their anxiety levels increase, potentially worsening other TBI symptoms.
Avoiding emotional conversations isn’t always easy but doing so benefits people recovering from a TBI. Keeping notes on what or who triggers these responses may help you prevent such encounters.
Resources:
- NINDS, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi - PMC, March 1, 2014, Reversal of Established Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced, Anxiety-Like Behavior in Rats after Delayed, Post-Injury Neuroimmune Suppression
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3934516/ - MSKTC, Cognitive problems after Traumatic Brain Injury
https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/cognitive-problems-after-traumatic-brain-injury - The Albert Ellis Institute, Excessive Self-Monitoring Works Against Us
https://albertellis.org/2015/11/excessive-self-monitoring-works-against-us/ - MSKTC, Understanding Behavior Changes after TBI
https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/understanding-behavior-changes-after-tbi
This content comprises informative and educational resources only and can not be considered as a substitute for professional health or medical guidance. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk. If you have any inquiries or apprehensions about your medical condition or health goals, talk with a licensed physician or healthcare provider.
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