There is a psychological concept called LEARNED HELPLESSNESS. It refers to a coping strategy and overall perception of the world. This occurs when an individual feels they have no control and power over their environment, their life or the future. After sustaining a Traumatic Brain Injury, it is very easy to fall into a pattern of learned helplessness, both n a physical and emotional sense.. TBI survivors become so accustomed to health care providers and family members doing for them, it becomes more comfortable taking charge and control over yourself and your life. Feelings of anger, loss of independence and autonomy also contribute to this pattern. It is essential for successful rehabilitation and for survivors to achieve their maximum potential by breaking this cycle. I am not implying that this is easy. It requires a conscious effort on the part of survivors and caretakers. It may require professional assistance.

Breaking the cycle enables TBI survivors to move from helpless victim to feelings of in control and power. It also leads to an increase in self-esteem and autonomy. Family members also benefit. They are also victims. Their world has been turned upside down, physically and psychologically. Acquiring knowledge, coping skills and mastery of the situation enables them to move from the victim mind set and decreases the physical and psychological stress inherent in the caregiving role. I ENCOURAGE both survivors and caregivers to read carefully and absorb the 10 strategies I am presenting.

Refer back to the first paragraph. I use the word LEARNED. Whatever is learned can be UNLEARNED. These are not easy concepts. It took my family and myself many years to resolve these issues. IT WAS WORTH THE EFFORT.