Understanding the Psychological Impact of Brain Injury
A brain injury can change many aspects of a person’s life.
Depending on the type and severity of the injury, a person may experience changes in memory, concentration, communication, mood, behaviour, relationships or their ability to manage everyday activities.
These changes can be difficult to understand and adjust to — not only for the person who has experienced the injury, but also for their family, friends and support network.
While physical and cognitive rehabilitation are important parts of recovery, psychological support after brain injury can also play an important role.
Psychological support can help people understand changes, develop coping strategies, adjust to new circumstances and work towards meaningful goals.
How Can a Brain Injury Affect Emotional Wellbeing?
The psychological effects of a brain injury can vary significantly from person to person.
Someone may experience:
- Anxiety
- Depression or low mood
- Irritability
- Frustration
- Reduced confidence
- Changes in motivation
- Emotional sensitivity
- Difficulty managing emotions
- Changes in self-esteem
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulty adjusting to changes in abilities
These experiences can sometimes occur alongside physical or cognitive changes.
For example, difficulties with memory may make everyday tasks frustrating. Changes in communication may affect relationships. Reduced independence may affect confidence.
Understanding these connections can be an important part of rehabilitation.
Brain Injury and Changes in Thinking
A brain injury may affect cognitive abilities such as:
- Memory
- Attention
- Concentration
- Processing information
- Planning
- Organisation
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
These changes can make previously familiar activities more difficult.
A person may find it harder to manage appointments, follow conversations, organise their day or complete tasks that previously felt straightforward.
Psychological assessment can sometimes help provide a clearer understanding of how these changes are affecting everyday functioning.
Adjusting to Life After a Brain Injury
One of the most difficult parts of brain injury recovery can be adjusting to changes in everyday life.
A person may feel that they are no longer able to do some of the things they previously enjoyed or that their role within their family or community has changed.
They may also have concerns about:
- Returning to work
- Maintaining relationships
- Managing everyday responsibilities
- Becoming more independent
- Participating in social activities
- Driving or travelling
- Future goals
- Changes in identity
These changes can involve a process of adjustment.
Psychological support can provide a safe space to explore these experiences and develop ways of coping with change.
How Can Psychological Support Help?
Psychological support following brain injury can be tailored to the individual’s needs.
Depending on the person’s circumstances, it may help with:
Emotional Regulation
Developing strategies for managing frustration, anxiety, sadness, anger or emotional changes.
Coping With Change
Supporting adjustment to changes in abilities, routines, relationships and independence.
Building Confidence
Helping a person recognise their strengths and gradually rebuild confidence in everyday activities.
Managing Anxiety and Low Mood
Identifying strategies to manage psychological symptoms that may affect recovery and participation.
Developing Practical Strategies
Exploring ways to manage challenges with routines, organisation, communication and everyday activities.
Supporting Relationships
Helping individuals and families understand changes following brain injury and develop strategies for communication and connection.
Psychological Assessment After Brain Injury
Psychological assessment can provide valuable information about a person’s emotional, cognitive and functional experiences following brain injury.
Depending on the purpose of the assessment, it may explore:
- Emotional wellbeing
- Cognitive functioning
- Memory and concentration
- Mood and anxiety
- Behavioural changes
- Coping strategies
- Relationships
- Everyday functioning
- Independence
- Work and community participation
Assessment can help build a more complete picture of the person’s current circumstances and identify areas where additional support may be beneficial.
The Importance of Rehabilitation
Brain injury recovery can involve a range of professionals.
Depending on individual needs, a rehabilitation team may include psychologists, medical practitioners, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists and other professionals.
Psychological support can complement other forms of rehabilitation by addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery.
A collaborative approach can help ensure that different areas of a person’s recovery are considered together.
Supporting Families and Carers
Brain injury affects more than the individual.
Family members and carers may also need time to adjust to changes in communication, behaviour, personality, routines or responsibilities.
They may have questions about:
- Why the person’s behaviour has changed
- How to communicate effectively
- How to support independence
- How to respond to emotional changes
- How to manage changes in family roles
- How to support rehabilitation
Providing families and support networks with greater understanding can help create a more supportive environment for recovery.
Independence After Brain Injury
Independence does not necessarily mean doing everything without assistance.
For one person, independence might mean being able to manage part of their daily routine.
For another, it could mean returning to work or education.
For someone else, it might involve participating in community activities or making more decisions about their own life.
Psychological support can help people identify meaningful goals and develop strategies that support participation and confidence.
A Strengths-Based Approach to Brain Injury Recovery
At Profiles WA, we believe a brain injury should not define the whole person.
Our approach considers the person’s experiences, strengths, abilities, relationships and goals alongside the challenges they may be experiencing.
This is reflected in our tree metaphor.
The roots represent the person’s history, relationships, culture and life experiences.
The trunk represents their strengths, resilience and abilities.
The branches represent opportunities for growth, participation, independence and recovery.
A brain injury may change part of someone’s journey, but it does not erase everything that came before it or everything that may still be possible.
When Might Psychological Support Be Helpful?
Psychological support may be worth considering when a person is experiencing ongoing difficulties following a brain injury.
This may include:
- Persistent low mood
- Anxiety
- Frustration or irritability
- Reduced confidence
- Difficulty adjusting to changes
- Social withdrawal
- Relationship difficulties
- Changes in motivation
- Emotional regulation difficulties
- Concerns about returning to work
- Difficulties with everyday independence
- Challenges participating in the community
Support can also be useful for people who simply want help understanding and adapting to the changes they are experiencing.
Recovery Is a Journey
Brain injury recovery does not necessarily follow a straight line.
Progress can involve new challenges as a person returns to different environments and activities.
Someone may initially manage well at home but experience difficulties when returning to work or participating in busy social environments.
This is why ongoing understanding, flexibility and appropriate support can be important.
The focus should remain on helping the person build a meaningful life around their individual strengths, needs and goals.
Psychological Support for Brain Injury Across Australia
Profiles WA provides psychological assessment and support for individuals experiencing the emotional, cognitive and functional impacts of brain injury.
Our approach is compassionate, person-centred, strengths-based and collaborative, with consideration of the individual’s circumstances and goals.
Based in Perth, Western Australia, Profiles WA supports individuals and communities across Australia through flexible telehealth services.
If you or someone you support is experiencing psychological or emotional difficulties following a brain injury, psychological assessment or support may help provide a clearer understanding of the challenges and possible pathways forward.