HOw to deal with nasty comments about speech and slow thought?

So I have a complex diagnosis at this point, and my doctor is planning to give me accommodations for the workplace. Most of it is MH related, and drives to staying well, and not having a relapse.

But in addition to that, I had a head injury three months ago. Things were bad and I have lingering expressive, cognitive delays and some sensory motor integration issues.

So sometimes I can't say what I want with the words and clarity that I used to have, can't find words, or struggle to get words out at all. I can have trouble hanging onto a train of thought, and doing a task like dialing a phone (reading the number, and then dialing) can be a problem. All of this is worse when I am tired, under pressure or overwhelmed.

I was in a training class this week with co-workers, who are used to my quick banter, whcih is hard now, and I took some comments about my speech which really hurt. At one point, I said something to a colleague that I was having trouble finding the words, and they took a potshot at me.

I am sure that no one is deliberately taking potshots at the person who has trouble speaking, but that's what happened, and over the course of the class I slowly shut down more and more because of this. A friend said not to take it so seriously, but she's not dealing with these limitations, and it's not okay to make fun of the person with a real issue.

So, I would be interested in ways to handle this. I have red hair, and through the years have learned how to deal with inappropriate comments for that, but I am at a loss here.

Of course, I can have some chats with key people about this and make a request that they won't likely refuse, but I am wondering if anyone has some ideas as to how to handle.

well I think it is just a matter of taking the person aside and letting them know how hurtful their comments are and explaining the situation so they are more thoughtful next time.

Ignorant people are everywhere, and only through exposure to people like you will they become enlightened. Enlightenment is change and that is something they resist, eventually they will evolve and thank you for taking the time and patience necessary to interact with them.

Is there any way you can have some cards made that explain your issues and ask that the person be patient. (You could have some printed that add, "...patient, instead of being a/an {put your own choice words here.} ) The cards would make it so you don't have to search for the right words at that moment.

If you have an occupational therapist, you might want to see if they can speak to your coworkers and bosses.

I just want to add that I love red hair.

I was shocked to read about the things your co-workers said and did. Your comment about red hair made me smile. I have red hair too. Do you think that gives us an early start on learning to deal with teasing?

I pretty much agree with the other person who recommended information cards. There probably are even brochures that explain the symptoms of head-injury.

I usually like to try to deal with things myself before getting an authority involved if possible.

Greetings from a fellow red head! I'm not sure I've learned how to cope with "red head" comments. They still get under my skin.

I have fibro, which some times causes the kind of language problems you described. I've told the people I work directly with that I have a condition that some times causes me to have trouble communicating verbally. I tell them that I call those "stupid days." When I'm having one of those days I'll tell co-worker "I'm having a stupid day." Some understand and wait for me to answer. Others don't get it and act like butheads. I have no words of wisdom how to cope with those people.

For people I don't want to tell about the reason for the communication problem I'll either say something like "I'm having a senior moment" or "Sorry I had a brainfart."

A tip a supervisor gave me years ago when I'm stuck for words is to have a stock phrase to pull out and use. I don't know about you, but when my brain is refusing to help me find words I get flustered and frustrated, which just makes it harder to find words. By having a set phrase I can use I don't have to search for words. I just pull out the saying and use it. That usually buys me enough time to be able to find something to say.

I'm sorry to read about your predicament. It's not cool at all what your colleagues have said, done, etc. I see two options:

1) Take colleague(s) to one side and tell them calmly that you find some things hurtful.

2) Try to ignore it and put it out of your mind (this can be hard)

To be honest both options are tough. I hope it all gets resolved

So it's been eight months, I still have delays and people are more patient, because I think that they are seeing it's no longer just a slip up, but a feature.

What is the phrase?

I have epilepsy and a benign brain tumor. I can relate, especially to the word finding issues.

I have found the best thing at work is not to bring it up. People don't want to deal with it and they misunderstand it as an admission that you can't do your job. Just get on with things the best you can.

For the word finding issues the most important thing is not to get frustrated (easier said than done). Try not to say "uhhhhh" too much, but it's ok if you ask, "What is the thing that..." Usually if I describe it in some way I remember the word. Be patient with yourself and expect people to be patient with you. The more stressed you get the worse it is. It's much more noticeable to yourself than other people, even if they do notice. For you its a major life issue, for them you just forgot what to call the thingamabob, gadget, or whatsahoozit. The worst thing is that sometimes you will loose their attention while you are trying to get it out. They don't have any patience anyhow, so don't mind too much.

I'm reminded of an incident years ago when an employee in another department had been hospitalized for several weeks. The day he was coming back the boss said in a department heads meeting that he was still recovering but was returning to work. It was totally up to the employee how much or how little he wished to reveal & to whom. Health issues were personal business not for public consumption or discussion. This was a place of business & professional behavior would be maintained. His department head enforced it. So I d say don't tolerate it. Simply say I'm still recovering & stare them directly in the eyes unapologetically.