TBI Through the Eyes of Partners…
For this segment of #TBIthroughtheeyes, we asked our significant others to share some of their experiences supporting us throughout our recoveries. Here is what they said:
How has the concussion affected your relationship?
I have always known my S.O. as someone dealing with a TBI. Their daily struggle, and perseverance through their pain, has been a constant in my life. It is difficult to watch someone you care about mask their suffering with a smile. The burden of a TBI often leads to periods of them shutting down. This has affected our relationship because at times the person you know to be loving, outgoing and happy switches off for a while. You learn to understand that the person you admire just needs some time to recover, and when they do you find your relationship is stronger than before.
Tools & resources that you have used to help the individual?
It is easy to support someone with a TBI on their good days, but being their support system on the tough days is one of the best ways to help in their recovery process. I have found it helpful to ask whether they want space or want to talk about it. Active listening is really important because it provides an outlet for them to express how they are feeling. Sometimes it can be helpful to find ways to take their mind off of it and relieve stress. Whether that be working out together or going on a walk - these are great ways to maintain a healthy headspace.
Tools & resources you have used to support yourself?
The greatest tool I have used to support myself while supporting them is educating myself about TBI’s. Whether that be attending my S.O’s appointments, listening to podcasts, reading books or attending symposiums, learning more about concussions has provided me with an insight into the daily realities of living with a TBI.
Has knowing someone with post-concussion syndrome changed your view?
When I was growing up concussions were rarely taken seriously due to the realities of an invisible injury. Knowing someone with post-concussion syndrome has opened up my eyes to the severity of a TBI. The determination that my S.O. has routinely shown in her life to overcome the daily impact of her TBI is inspiring to me and has led me to appreciate the inherent toughness that people suffering from concussions exhibit.
As someone who has experienced concussions myself, it has helped me to understand that the same sort of thing can have very different effects on people. Just because something works for you doesn't mean it will work for someone else.
