After you get into a car crash, you will likely suffer from internal and/or external injuries. Head and brain injuries serve as some of the most common, and they can often have long-lasting impacts with surprising side effects.
For example, suffering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can actually impact the relationships in your life to the extent that your marriage ends up in jeopardy.
Changes in a TBI victim
Headway takes a look into how brain injuries can potentially affect relationships in your life. First, it is important to know where this cause-and-effect tie begins. In effect, brain injuries can disrupt your behavioral patterns and even change your personality. As a TBI victim, you may experience:
- A harder time controlling impulses
- More anger and agitation than usual
- Trouble reacting to stress in a “normal” way
You will also experience lapses in judgment and memory which can contribute to your personal frustrations, leading you to lash out at those near you. Of course, this means your loved one often takes the brunt of the emotional outburst.
Complex and long-lasting stress and change
Many spouses of TBI victims state that it feels like marriage to a stranger as the victim recovers. However, some changes can take years to reverse, and others never fully do. This means big changes and even more stress for you and your loved one, which can test the strength of your marriage.
If you and your spouse face marital struggles through your recovery period, consider seeking counseling and guidance from specialists who deal with brain injuries and relationships. If you take a proactive stance, you could help prevent your relationship from decaying.