My brain can literally feel like a hornets nest (most of the time). A muddled space where thoughts, memories and information, go to die (a slow death).
One coping strategy, that works (for me), is to reduce my cognitive load. I’ve had to learn a few and continue to do so, as I figure it all out…
Things I could easily do before, I struggle with now. For me personally, that, in itself, is hard to accept. BUT, I’ve had to, in order to function. If I don’t, the consequences are; heightened anxiety, negative self-talk, depression and thoughts, dark enough, to scare the beJesus out of anyone!
So, as a means of self-care, I (respectfully) decline to push the boundaries of my cognitive limitations. Especially, if the end result leads to the above consequences. A fight I’m only willing to entertain from myself, during times where I forget, and on my “good days”. As I work on my own understanding of living with a brain injury and how it affects me.
Because brain injury is invisible, those around me don’t understand what they can’t see. I can’t change that. I can only explain the changes within me, and hope there’s enough compassion and/or empathy in the next person to cultivate that understanding. IF NOT, then that’s something THEY need to wrestle with, NOT ME…
Now, if I say I can’t do something, I mean it. Forget about what old me could always do. This is the new me and her brain needs a break!
No Comments