Resources

Suggestions for Recovery

I am always saddened when I hear that another person struggles with their life after sustaining a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI,) or, really, any kind of life altering event. Upon being asked if I could offer any kind of advice to help fellow TBI survivors, I wrote this:

First, I will state that I am Catholic & I've experienced many miracles, & therefore the first piece of advice I will offer is to pray. I have moments when I struggle with the realization that my recovery isn't typical & I feel, almost, guilty that I'm doing so well after I see someone, who wasn't even injured as badly as I was & they are trapped in a "world" that has no foreseeable progression potential. I will readily admit that I don't know everything, or even most things & I understand that every injury is different & it may be necessary to have a professional charter the best possible steps for optimal results.

That said, I'll list my suggestions:

1.) Pray - Believe you will be healed & thank God for the healing He's doing. (It may be emotional healing. I know, I know - this is a tough one for most people. It certainly can't hurt to put the request out.)

2.) Stay positive & focus on the good, happy, & positive things in your life. If you always complain this is likely to drive most people away. I went through a time when every time I spoke with certain friends I'd complain & cry. This not only kept me from moving forward, but created awkward situations with my friends, causing them discomfort whenever they were around me. I was fortunate that my behavior was pointed out to me & I made a change before it was too late. Transfer the energy that goes into feeding destructive suicidal thoughts into motivation to work for improvement. I know this isn't a simple task, as I spent months thinking about every possible way to kill myself & even walked to a bridge. (I have posted articles that were written about my story, an article I wrote, & the 1st chapter of my book, I'm Going To Dance: A Memoir About Traumatic Brain Injury.)

3.) Counseling &/or medication might be needed. After having a brain injury, sometimes there is a disruption in the transmission of neurotransmitters.

4.) This may sound harsh, but all victims need to take responsibility for his/her life. He/she is the one who will determine if the injury will be allowed to make him/her bitter or better. With this said, I know that life isn't fair, as I have been dealing with continual disappointments, I have lived with chronic fatigue for 8 years due to insomnia that I'm certain was induced by a bladder condition that still bothers me. I have been making continual attempts, but nothing has come back, yet. However, I'm not going to give up - I can't - I'd be the only one to suffer. People have said to me that they think I'm so strong for dealing with everything I've had to, but I don't call it strength - I call it survival. If I make an attempt & seemingly fail, I just move on & make another one.

5) Get involved with social situations, with people other than family members to help maintain those skills - maybe volunteer work.

6) Listen to the advice that's offered, but hold on to what you believe. Most things are not impossible, given the proper attention, support, opportunities... If you say you're going to do something, go out & actually do it, make attempts, don't just speak your wishes, you have to take action. As an author, I find it very annoying when someone says, "Oh, you should read my book," as if writing is simple & everyone can do it. If you talk about writing a book, take action - write every day.

7) Set goals with a date of expected accomplishment - reward yourself when these goals are met.

For more professional advice you can contact the Brain Injury support group in your area. I'm sure if you Googled "Brain Injury, (the state you're from)" you would get a lot of links. The local organizations would be able to point you in the right direction about what's available & where support groups are, when they meet, & they age range of the usual participants.

I hope this message helps.

God Bless, e

Erika Kirtoglou
SurvivingDancer, CEO
Future Pulitzer Prize Winner
Honestly, my faith in God is what sustains me.