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Realize that You Are Not Alone. There are at least 2.5 million new cases of TBI on a yearly basis. 

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Allow your fears to motivate you to NEVER GIVE UP in life. Face what you fear with one obstacle at a time in order to give yourself the ability to not get overwhelmed. 

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Try to stay organized as best you can by essentially keeping your things in one place and visible so that you don't forget where they are. For example, place your keys, pens, and other items in a designated specific place (like a basket for example).

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You can use post-it notes to jot down reminders of important things so visually, it will help you remember important things for things that you may need to get done. For example, post a doctors appointment or medication reminder on your bathroom mirror! 

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Reach out to friends when you need help and are having a difficult time. Don't feel bad for asking for help and support. No one can know that you need support unless you let them know. And be honest. It's okay to need support from others.

 

Try not to argue with other people. If you start to feel upset or frustrated with someone take a few moments to stop and think of how what you will say will sound from their point of view. Even if it takes a few minutes to think it through, think it through because you can't take back something you've said once you've said it.

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Don't give in to despair. You are a role model for other survivors and things can and will get better!

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Find a good therapist (licensed counselor) as soon as possible and the best you can afford. If the first therapist doesn't work out so well, try again. Find another and give it another try!

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Find something that is meaningful in your life to focus on during your recovery. A new hobby, something you always thought about trying, or something you have curiosity about. You can still work on something meaningful during recovery. You can volunteer online, at an animal shelter, food pantry or answer phones at a help desk. Go online to www.volunteermatch.org and scroll through opportunities in your town and according to your interests. 

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Always be willing to say your sorry if you realize that you may have hurt someone else's feelings. Saying you're sorry doesn't mean you are a weak person; rather, it shows that you are brave enough to look deeply within yourself and also that you can humble yourself and be human and courageous enough to try again and get a second chance to make things right. 

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Always pay attention to your feelings, what you feel physically. If at any point, something doesn't feel right and it feels out of the ordinary, tell someone and reach out to your doctor. Leave a message for your doctor with a description of what you're experiencing if you can't get a hold of them right away.

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If you ever find yourself having thoughts of wanting to end your life, call the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255

Or text "Help" to the Crisis Text Line, which is 741741. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 x 7. 

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