My relationship with traumatic brain injury

I’m ready to talk about my relationship with TBI. Relationship may sound like an unusual word to use, but TBI, for me, has some of the features of a relationship. There is struggle, familiarity, times to defend its presence and times to wish it far away. I want to be clear, though. TBI does not describe all of me. It is not my essence or my soul. It does not reflect my deepest thoughts or desires. It does not describe or define me. Similarly, my spouse isn’t me. We are connected, but not synonymous.

Rough spots

Like any relationship, mine with TBI has had rough places and hard times. I spent the first several years in a blame/anger state. Why am I feeling as I do? Why doesn’t it leave me? What did I do to bring it on? What mistakes did I make? During these years, I also expended a great deal of energy strategizing how to disguise the presence of TBI in my life from others, and likely myself.

Oh, I’m fine. Thanks for asking. Yes. Much better now.

Of course, I can do that. NO, I’m not too tired.

Could you just remind me again of those directions?

I’m just going to rest for a little bit.

What a goof. I slipped again. I must be more careful.