For most family members, life is not the same after TBI. We want you to know that you are not alone in what you are feeling. While everyone’s situation is a bit different, there are some common problems that many family members experience such as less time for yourself, financial difficulties, role changes of family members, problems with communication, and lack of support from other family members and friends. These are just some of the problems that family members may face after injury. Sometimes these problems can seem too much and you may become overwhelmed, not seeing any way out. Family members have commonly reported feeling sad, anxious, angry, guilty, and frustrated.
Since the injury, you have likely been under a great deal of stress. A little stress is part of life, but stress that goes on for a long time can have a negative effect on the mind and body.
Stress is related to medical problems such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
Stress can make you do things less well because it affects your ability to concentrate, to be organized, and to think clearly.
Stress also has a negative effect on your relationships with other people because it makes you irritable, less patient, and more likely to lash out at others.
Stress can lead to depression and/or anxiety.