[jrae]

so I put a post up on my facebook page a few months ago, providing an 'update' so to speak on my health. this fb page was created ONLY for my family and relatives (has less than 30 people/'friends'). and I don't 'post' that often, sometimes not even once a month!
usually I would have my aunt pre-read what I have written, to make sure it sounds okay, is not too revealing, and is not too much 'private' info to post. sadly she is not around anymore for me to ask .

so I would like to ask you guys, please & thanks.

so here's what I have come up with:
""
I've now gone over my 9-month mark. And it seems the road to recovery with my brain injury is going to take way more time than I could've predicted! Things have gotten complicated and complex the past few months. And my B.I. medical team has grown to now include 4-5 specialists! I'm at a little loss of words right now :s

Your continued thoughts, prayers, and support would be greatly appreciated! Thank you everyone

#allbraininjuriesareserious #braininjuries-neverdismissthewarningsigns #loveyourWHOLEhead #nationalbraininjuryawareness #braininjuries-wearesurvivorstoo
""

[jrae]

my first post (which was approved by my aunt) was this:

""
It’s been over 4 months now, and I’m still on the road to recovery. These four months have been one of the more challenging time periods of my life. Brain injuries are serious,whether minor or worse! And should be treated as such and shown the up most respect. They are life altering in so many ways.

Thanks for all your support everyone - I’ve greatly appreciated it!

#allbraininjurieionsareserious #concussionsarebraininjuriestoo #braininjuries-knowthesigns #supportallTBIsurvivors #braininjuriesaffectmorethanonlythebrain #loveyourWHOLEhead

""

the 'thanks for your support' line was a knock to everyone, since most didn't know or didn't support or thought it was nothing and had no affect on me - including my mental health

and the hash-tag lines I created myself

[Iloivar]

Im not sure what would have been considered tmi by your aunt. But It seems fine to me, and is very much like the first post your aunt approved of.

[*Beth*]

The post is excellent. It gives an update that is entirely appropriate.

[jrae]

what I just realized is that NO ONE in my family/friends have even asked me how my brain injury has been affecting my mental health! on the one hand, it doesn't surprise me, and on the other,

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by jrae

what I just realized is that NO ONE in my family/friends have even asked me how my brain injury has been affecting my mental health! on the one hand, it doesn't surprise me, and on the other,

I'm sorry for that. I'm guessing that people are uncomfortable about asking, but that doesn't excuse their insensitivity.

[MickeyCheeky]

That seems like a WONDERFUL post, @jrae! I am so sorry your Family didn't contact you to ask you about the Brain Injury though! We are here for you, never forget that, ok? I hope things will improve soon for you! Remember that you're the BEST! .yourock: Sending many safe, warm hugs to BOTH you, @jrae, your Family, your Friends and ALL of your Loved Ones! Keep fighting and keep rocking NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, OK?!

brain injuries are tricky...I imagine most people may not ask, especially on a public forum such as facebook. and if all you are offering are updates like you posteed, you are not suggesting that there is a mental health issue or component so many may not even think to ask either. they may not even relate the two (if there were no mental health issues prior to the brain injury).

if you want folks to ask, mention your mental health, say you are struggling, not struggling or ask for help. then you will get feedback. people don't ask about your broken leg if they can't see it is an issue (and you walk just fine).

[divine1966]

I knew many people with tbi (line of work). In my experience it’s ok to ask how the person is doing but none wanted people to pry about their mental health and in fact everyone wanted to be treated just normal. Whatever you share with people is likely appreciated but people wouldn’t be prying about details as it’s usually not welcomed by people with tbi