Brain Injury and Fear of the Unknown

Temperatures here in Arkansas are beginning to gradually get cooler, and that means autumn is just around the corner. This time of year always brings back memories of my stay at Timber Ridge Ranch NeuroRestorative Services rehabilitation facility which was the second place where I felt secure after my anoxic brain injury. I say second because the first place was at home surrounded by my family. And, I say secure because that is what I felt just knowing that those around me were aware of my limitations after brain injury and did not put pressure on me to do things they knew I was not yet ready to tackle. I felt secure in both of those places because I did not yet faced fear of the unknown. There was a routine and I pretty much knew what was expected of me.

As time passed and I began to explore more of this new world around me, I realized that I was extremely uncomfortable when facing unfamiliar situations. Fear of the unknown gripped my heart and my brain on many occasions. Anytime I faced a new situation, a wave of panic struck me and I usually developed a migraine and was consumed with the maize I felt I was in. Absent the instant onset of the migraine, my first reaction to anything new is still - "panic". Fortunately, I have learned to control the panic by divert it using compensatory strategies; reminding myself that fear of the unknown is causing that feeling; and, that everyone has that fear from time to time. I’ll admit there are still times I have trouble letting go of the fear.

Many years after my traumatic injury as Larry and I were writing our book, Brain Injury Survivor’s Guide, I felt compelled to include information about fear of the unknown as it relates to brain injury. It was important to me that we include a truth that helped me turn my life in the right direction: Knowledge is Power to a Brain Injured Person.

Someone who has suffered a recent brain injury doesn’t have much power. I would venture to say they do not have ANY. They are pretty much depending on others to make decisions for them and are, most likely, feeling vulnerable and weak. For that reason, it is important for that person to be surrounded with people who are confident and knowledgeable. That would include family, as well as trusted doctors and an attorney who understands how brain injury totally changes your life. These things help with fear of the unknown after brain injury because knowledge is power.

It is also important that family members and caregivers learn as much as possible about brain injury. We did not write our book to tell my story; we wrote it to provide answers to many situations facing families living with brain injury and to provide hope to those living in Our World.

As time passes, practicing compensatory strategies, will allow confidence to build because of the knowledge you obtain to which gives you confidence. Since knowledge is power, your fear of the unknown will begin to fade. However, each time there is a new challenge, the fear factor will arise. Remind yourself knowledge is power each time you are faced with fear of the unknown. Learning as much as you can about a situation you’re facing will gradually relieve the fear of the unknown.

We bought a movie entitled, “The Lookout” . This is probably the best movie we have seen about living with the various aspects of brain injury. These professional actors do a great job portraying what it’s really like to live with brain injury. It is rated “R” for language, violence and sexual content – but hey – that’s the reality of brain injury. We have a short movie trailer on our website and encourage you to take a look.