Throughout the acute stages and during the rehabilitation process, attention will be focused on the person with the brain injury. However, we should not forget that it is the whole family that can develop problems as a result of a single family member being injured.
There is considerable strain in the early days and weeks as people spend long hours at the hospital and during the rehabilitation phase there is often a considerable commitment of time for families and friends and this can have a major disruptive effect on family life. Work may suffer, with financial consequences and parenting issues, marital stress, feelings of anger, and guilt are some of the many things that will crop up.
It is recognised that close relatives of the person with the brain injury quite often become the main carers of that person. It is also recognised that these family members are at risk of developing psychological and emotional problems themselves. Relatives should not be afraid to discuss worries and difficulties with someone. These feelings are common and can often be alleviated by sharing concerns with others.
This is just a snapshot of the information that is available from Headway - the brain injury association . Please contact the Headway Newry Helpline on:07513 968 473
