Relationships and Family Dynamics After Brain Injury

It is normal for relationships to change after a brain injury

When a loved one has a brain injury, life can suddenly change, not just for them, but for the whole family. Caregivers may feel increased stress and pressure, while the person with the injury may be adjusting to changes in their abilities. Everyone may need to adjust their routines, roles, and responsibilities at home. For some, this may be stressful and confusing, while others may feel sad or angry. These changes can affect how people connect, communicate, and support one another. However, with support, understanding, and time, relationships can adjust and grow in new ways.

Helpful tips for adjusting to new relationship dynamics

• Set aside time for family time
  • Allow family members to talk openly about how they are feeling
  • Do activities together outside of caregiver responsibilities
  • Consider individual and/or family counseling
  • Share tasks and responsibilities based on each person’s abilities
• Practice stress reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness to promote emotional well-being.
• Learn about brain injury
  • Look for training opportunities to help build your confidence in caring for your loved one
• Focus on positive moments and celebrate progress and small successes
• Connecting with others in similar situations, such as through support groups

Support is available when a spouse or partner has a brain injury.

If your spouse or partner has a brain injury, you may face big changes. For example, you may have to take on new roles and responsibilities in the household. You may also notice differences in intimacy, as well as physical and emotional closeness, after brain injury. There are various emotional and physical reasons for this change, such as changes in hormone levels due to injury. These changes can be confusing, frustrating, and stressful. Asking for help from a relationship therapist or counselor can help. Relationships after a brain injury take work, patience, and support. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. There are support groups and experts who can provide guidance and support.

Learn more about:

• Healing Your Marriage After Brain Injury
• Sexuality after Brain Injury
• Couples’ Relationships After Traumatic Brain Injury

There are things you can do to help children adapt when a parent has a brain injury

When a parent has a brain injury, life can feel confusing or scary for children. They may not understand what happened or why things feel different at home. It is important to watch for changes among children in the household. Children may struggle with disrupted family routines. For example, they may behave differently, experience mental health problems, and/or have drops in school performance. Talking openly in ways they can understand can help children feel safe, included, and loved. When possible:

Keep to a routine. Stick to regular meals, sleep, sports teams, and school schedules as much as possible.

Let them help. Getting involved may help them feel like they are contributing. They can help with chores or draw pictures for you and their parent with a brain injury.

Set aside time. Spend one-on-one time with your child when you can.

Discuss feelings. Encourage them to talk, draw, or write about their feelings. Let them ask questions, even if you don’t have all the answers.

Share information with others. Make teachers and school counselors aware of the challenges your child is experiencing so that they can provide extra support.

Get Extra Help. Ask their pediatrician or a mental health professional for guidance if your child has trouble sleeping or eating, acts angry or withdrawn for a long time, struggles at school, or seems fearful or hopeless.

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