A traumatic brain injury can impact your life, but it does not have to rob you of opportunity and success. Learning what you can about your injury may enlighten your understanding of what you can do to successfully navigate life with a TBI.
Whether you plan to return to a former job or your TBI has forced you to find a new job, you may need to request accommodations. Collaborating with your employer can improve your chances of success at work when you have the resources you need to perform your job effectively.
Finding a purpose
The decision to return to work after an injury is one that will require time and careful consideration. With the help of your doctor, you will need to assess at what point in your recovery you can reasonably return to work. Even then, you may need a modified schedule to help you transition back to a more rigorous lifestyle. Your condition may require you to take breaks more frequently. You may need ergonomic equipment or specialized technology to provide you with adequate support to perform your job.
When you know that you want to return to work, consider what it is that you want from having a job. Do you want to rebuild professional connections? Do you want to exercise your skills? Do you want to improve your self-confidence? Finding a purpose may help you to embrace the challenges of returning to work.
Celebrating success
It will take time to adjust to being back at work. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, ongoing challenges related to your TBI may impact your physical health, your emotional response and your thinking patterns. Working may not look the same as it once did. When you do something successfully, celebrate your accomplishment.
Setting goals for your personal and professional development may enable you to reengage at work while you continue your recovery.