Survivors of brain injury can suffer chronic personality changes.
Coping with brain injury can be particularly difficult for a teenager who is already going through a transitional stage of life, creating distinct challenges for the individual and their rehabilitation team.
Anyone suffering from brain injury may experience changes in behaviour and emotions, such as impulsivity, irritability, and depression. They may also have difficulties with attention, memory, and learning. In the case of a teenager this can make it much harder for them to keep up in school, college or university.
Judgement can be impaired making social interactions challenging. Which in turn can lead to isolation, bullying, unacceptable behaviour and further emotional difficulties.
Teenagers generally want to ‘fit in’ with their peers. As they grow they’ll have a natural tendency to separate from their parents and seek autonomy. The need to fit in and be independent can lead to those with a brain injury downplaying their symptoms. This can make it much harder to diagnose problems and give them the help they need.
It’s important to have a support system that understands their needs and provides them with appropriate rehabilitation, education, and emotional support to help them to recover and reach their full potential.
At KW Therapy we teach our clients strategies that will help them to manage their impulses and improve decision making. This may include teaching mindfulness techniques, problem-solving skills, and self-regulation.
We also work on developing an individual’s ability to plan and organize their day, addressing the challenges with memory and learning both inside and outside of the educational environment.
To improve social skills and help them interact appropriately with others, therapy sessions may include activities that promote impulse control. Using games, exercises, or tasks that require self-control and self-monitoring.
Ultimately teenagers need the freedom to control their own destiny. With professional guidance, a personalised rehabilitation plan and strategies for coping when the unexpected happens they can begin to visualise and shape their future as they want it to be.