Hi Louisa! It's understandable that we're feeling low at times especially if we notice the limitations and/or difficulties due to the brain bleed. I had mine erupted just a year before you and I would say it was depressing as I was about to finish Uni that time. I had tons of plans and activities, too. I thought I was such a very big failure and too confused as I wasn't really informed at that time what happened. The family chose to hide everything as they thought I won't be able to handle it.
But, you know what, little by little they helped me understand about my condition. The prayers and encouragement from family and friends helped a lot. Later on, whenever someone asked what happened (which I also sometimes get tired explaining and they tend to misinterpret for some biased reasons, I don't expect them to understand. I just tell them thanks for the prayers and I'm blessed I survived by God's grace,
It's quite expected not everyone will understand us, they can't even tell us too that "I understand" since they have not been through what we had gotten through. But, hey cheer up! We're here for you! Also, get involved in activities which you find interesting but of course, won't hassle you that much. ;)
Let me also share this song that helped me on my recovery days, Be blessed! ;) Through It All - Hillsong
Thanks Jeni...As you know, there are times when you wish you could do the things you used to be able to do...It seems that since my bleed, I have those times lesser and lesser. Thankfully this depression only lasted 3 days. Again, thanks for your support.
Hi Louisa! Here you go helping me out again :-)!!! I've had several depression attacks since my bleed over the past year and never would have linked this to my bleed yet probably is just another subtle side effect my bleed left me with. I thank God everyday for the Grace he continues to bless me with as these bouts of depression typically last a few days that he picks me back up again :-))!!! Praise God!!!
Yes, sweet Michele...we do have small depression issues because of our brain bleeds...Thank God they don't last long! Dr. O told me that all these things were going to happen...If it wasn't for him..I wouldn't have known what was going on. He even sent a psyc to see me when I was in ICU. You CANNOT help but full in love with that man! He's in my prayers every single night!
I have problems with my leg now and often get headaches. When I start to get bummed out about the stuff that I can't do anymore because of those problems I remind myself of the things that I can still do and how even though my life has changed I am still lucky because things could be much worse than what they are. Just try to stay positive. A nice bottle of wine every now and then helps too :)
Hi Jason...I also do the same...But I believe having a brain injury on the side of brain damaged creates depression...not often, but it happens a few days at a time. My neurosurgen told me that it was possible...so I just accept it. Now I'm feeling great!
I really think if you yourself think you're depressed, then it's time to go see a good psychologist to discuss it. In the meantime, put on some great music, try some mood-improving herbal teas like peppermint, and try out some tai chi using a DVD. Watch some really funny comedies. All are proven ways to improve mood. Also, I suggest to NOT watch the news. It's just non-stop negativity and no one needs that.
I just watched something about brain health and it described how even the smallest exercise (example was dancing in a wheelchair) is a starting point. I actually learned a lot, and food really impacts energy. Real food is much better, processed is really bad for mood.
how about the sunlight lamps for the winter blues? That's got to be acceptable since it's sunlight. My friend used to use one since she got the winter blues big-time?
Also, I was thinking you should get your vitamin D levels checked out. If they're super-low from too little sun, can add to feeling down. Easy way to check is to eat lots of fish for a week, and if it helps, maybe that's PART of the issue. Not the solution, but can help.
I used to take feverfew which helps reduce migraines. Seemed like a good mood thing too.
Jason, I so agree. I would also add that if I get mad at something, I make myself think of 3 things that I'm grateful for. Also, when drivers cut me off or go through a light (happens a lot around my area, for some reason), I send a blessing to the driver to get better. These things REALLY life work.
Also, when frustrated, I try to think how lucky I am for the opportunity to have all these problems, since I survived.
I don't know much how to help you but I went through I similar situation years ago. My son has an avm, it bled 2 times and he had some many surgeries between his 9th and 11th bday. After 3 embolizations, 2 proton beam radiosurgery, and a shunt place, he started to have a tick on his face and neck. He declined in school and so many things. I took him to a psychologist but he did not do much. Finally my psychologist recommended me a NeuroPsychologist.He was a great help because he understood his situation better that anyone else.He took his time to explain to me what was happening in my son's life. So I would like to suggest you to visit a neuropsychologist that can give you some tools to feel better.I hope that helps.
Thank you Virgina..I wrote that discussion went I was in the middle of a depression..Thank goodness this one only lasted 3 days. I also went to a NeuroPsy after my brain bleed and I was informed that because I have damage to the emotional area of the brain, depression is expected. However, this time I just couldn't understand why I was so depressed. It was only after it was over, that I realized it was because of my brain injury. When you are depressed, you appartently just can't think correctly. I am thinking about going back to a NeuroPsy to see if there are methods that can help me when I have these depressions. Thanks for your advise...I really appreciate your support.
The diagnosis made me go nuts too. I still think everyday about what I went through. It is very depressing and difficult to get past everything. I feel like I am not understood by others that don't have the rare condition. It does really suck but I am here if you need to chat about it. I am here for everyone and anyone that feels lonely. We will all make it through the trauma. It takes time to accept and emotionally deal with. Everyday I think about what I lost because of it. It happened to me in 2007 also and was devastated. I just try to keep myself busy and exercise a lot. But not one day passes that I don't think about it. I am here if you need it! Erin