I Have a What? A Guide for Coping with Moderate-to-Severe TBI

StressI Have a What?!:A Guide for Coping with Moderate-to-Severe TBIStress is the body’s normal reaction to difficult situations in ourlives. These difficult situations can range from losing a job to notbeing able to pay your bills. Having an accident that results in amoderate-to-severe TBI is one type of stressor. Other changes thatmay happen after having an injury can also be stressful. Someexamples of potentially stressful changes that may occur includebeing unable to return to your job, having your job role change,having to take on different roles within your family, changing yourresidence, needing to go to doctor’s appointments, and so forth.When we are faced with problems or dangerous situations, our bodies try to help usdeal with those problems. Physically, our bodies react by increasing our heart rate andblood pressure. Our blood vessels get smaller. When you are stressed, you may noticethat your hands become sweaty or your skin feels cold. You may feel very anxious andworried. This is our body’s way of getting ready for quick action. Our bodies do this sothat we are able to do something right away (fight) or escape from something bad(flight).However, there are many situations from which we cannot escape. For example, when aloved one is sick or you are having problems at work, there may not be a way to changethis situation right away. When stress continues for a long time, it can be a bigproblem. As long as you think there are problems in your life, your body remainsstressed and aroused. This constant state of arousal can lead to problems with yourhealth and happiness. It can also make it more difficult to recover from your injury.There are several things you can do to help reduce stress. The first step, however, isbeing able to notice the signs of stress.Page 32