Changes in Emotions After Brain Injury

Emotional changes are common, but there are things you can do to help

After a brain injury, you may notice changes in how you feel or express emotions. You may also notice changes in thinking, such as memory, attention, or how quickly you process information. These changes may feel overwhelming and may lead to emotional reactions like worry, anger, or sadness. These feelings are common after a brain injury. Staying in contact and talking with friends and loved ones about these issues may help. Be sure to also talk with your medical professional if you notice any changes in mental health and emotions that get worse or don’t go away. Your medical professional has treatments that can help. Find more information on this topic with our webinar on mindfulness and our webinar on resilience after brain injury.

There are effective ways to manage emotional changes

Many people benefit from counseling, medication, or a combination of both. If you take medication, work closely with your medical professional, and attend follow-up visits. If you participate in therapy, let your medical professional know about your brain injury. You can ask them to write down key points or repeat information to help you better understand and remember it. Getting help early can reduce stress and improve your quality of life.

Managing stress and daily routines can improve emotional well-being

Stress can make emotional symptoms worse, but there are ways to manage it. Relaxation strategies such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, or mindfulness can help calm your body and mind. Having a daily routine can also help you feel more in control. Try to include structured activities like exercise, puzzles, or games. Taking regular breaks throughout the day can also prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Affirmations can help support your mental health

Affirmations, also called self-affirmations, are thoughts you intentionally come up with to support, encourage, and calm your brain and body. They typically consist of positive statements used to challenge negative, depressing, or anxiety-producing thoughts. Try using some of these affirmations to help you stay positive:

• I am strong.
• I am enough.
• I have faith in my abilities.
• I am grateful for what I can do.
• I am happy to be me.
• I am on the right path for me.
• I will turn negative thoughts into positive ones.
• I honor my body by trusting the signals that it sends me.
• Though these times are difficult, they are part of the journey of life.
• One step at a time, one day at a time, is progress.

Compassionate answers. Real support. Every step of the way.

Contact the National Brain Injury Information Center at 1-800-444-6443 to speak to a specialist about:

• Help with care needs
• Legal and financial resources
• Services in your community