Acceptance: Acknowledging and accepting the changes to your life that have occurred due to the TBI doesn't mean giving up; instead, it means understanding your new life and focusing on what you do have the ability to control and work on improving

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Set realistic expectations: I've already discussed this in other areas, but setting realistic goals is important physically and mentally. Small victories enable you to reach your bigger goals. I'm still working on doing up a zipper; I can pretty much hold both sides of my jacket. The next stage is getting the zip together, eventually pulling the zip up and then being able to undo it and take the jacket off.

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Focus on strengths: Work out your strengths and abilities and find ways to use them in your new daily life. Celebrate achieving targets, no matter how small they may seem or even if they are not necessarily goals you set. Be proud of yourself for how strong you can be in such a tough time.

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Seek support: Try to develop a supportive group of family, friends, doctors, and other TBI survivors. Talking about your experiences and challenges with people who understand you and what you're going through can provide a crucial emotional lifeline.

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Engage in meaningful activities: Try activities that make you happy and feel you've achieved something. It can be anything from spending time with friends to participating in sports, arts and crafts or a hobby you enjoy. Even if you have to do it in an adapted way to before your TBI, you are still utilising physical and cognitive skills and, therefore, working on your rehab.

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Practice self-care: Looking after yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally is a significant part of recovery. Rest and a balanced diet play an essential part. Engage in regular exercise as far as you can manage, and try to learn relaxation techniques such as meditation, Pilates, and yoga to manage stress. The latter two can be beneficial physically.

  

Give yourself things to look forward to: Find something special daily and celebrate what makes you smile. Enjoy these moments and focus on the happy parts, whether enjoying a favourite meal, spending time in nature, or listening to music.

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Stay connected: Stay connected with others, even if speaking or socialising is challenging. If holding a conversation is difficult, try using technology, writing, or other nonverbal means to communicate with loved ones and combat feelings of isolation. I had a trach for six months and had to communicate via a whiteboard. I had to write and try to mime things as my handwriting was pretty poor, but it was better than nothing.

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Practice mindfulness: Try to use mindfulness techniques in your daily routine to keep your mind in the present moment and focus on a greater sense of peace and acceptance. It has been proven to help reduce stress, anxiety, and dwelling on the past or worries about the future. Mindfulness isn't necessarily focusing purely on breathwork. It can be appreciating and focusing on a sunny day, a walk in the countryside, doing something you love, and turning your train of thought into something positive.

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 Seek professional help if needed: It can be common to struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns; it's vital to seek help from a therapist, counsellor, or psychiatrist. Many treatments and support are available to help with these challenges and improve your state of mind and overall well-being. A recent study by Kings College London published in the "Lancet Regional Health – Europe (March 2024) showed that 60% of stroke survivors can experience depression within the first five years. This is much higher than other previous studies. If you're interested in reading the study, please click here.

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