Helping Family Caregivers Cope with Traumatic Brain Injuries Published Dec. 3, 2013 By Dana Crudo Health.mil FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- A number of returning service members have sustained brain injuries in the line of duty. These injuries significantly change not only their lives, but also those of their family members, who often make tremendous sacrifices to care for their wounded warriors. The Defense Department is committed to supporting these caregivers. Psychology professor Timothy Elliott, a member of the Defense Health Board's neurological/behavioral health subcommittee, shared coping strategies during a recent webinar hosted by The Military Families Learning Network. "A stated goal of the Defense Department is to inform family members about traumatic brain injury," Elliott said. "Family caregivers need to know what brain injury is." A traumatic brain injury can be caused by a direct blow or jolt to the head, or by external forces like an explosion, that disrupts the function of the brain. Blasts account for the majority of traumatic brain injuries among deployed service members, Elliott said. Last year, 30,406 service members were diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, according to the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center. The center has reported that the "vast majority" of the injuries are mild, often described as concussions, and that most service members "recover and return to duty within seven to 10 days." Some service members experience more serious traumatic brain injuries, resulting in prolonged symptoms like headaches and fatigue, and changes in thinking, emotions and behaviors. Family members often step up and become caregivers, providing constant emotional support and assisting with day-to-day tasks. However, caring for a disabled family member can exact a heavy physical and emotional toll. "Unfortunately, family caregivers tend to deny themselves over time, eroding their personal health," Elliott said. They frequently report feeling overwhelmed, losing emotional support and companionship, having difficulty coping and finding time to be alone, according to Elliott. He recommended that family caregivers adopt the following approach: Promote positive experiences and emotions "Family caregivers need to do things that help them feel good and not feel guilty about it," Elliott said. The more they experience these positive emotions, the better they perform in stressful situations, Elliot said. Simple things like going shopping or out with friends, eating chocolate or watching television can all help. Elliot also recommended that caregivers keep a sense of humor and try to have a light-hearted attitude. "All these sorts of things help us feel better and are very important for everyday life,"Elliott said. "They don't solve problems per se ... but they do help family caregivers build tolerance." He cautioned caregivers to avoid negative thoughts since those can impact a person's feelings and behavior, making it harder for them meet their caretaking responsibilities. Learn problem solving skills "Family members will need to learn to solve problems," Elliott said. "They need to feel empowered ... and to learn from their experiences." He added that "if caregivers are effective problem solvers, they cope better in the long run," and this can help the service member cope as well and get the care he or she needs. Elliott recommended studying the problem first, remaining optimistic, coming up with creative ways to solve it, understanding the consequences of possible solutions and trying out different ones until you are successful. The Military Families Learning Network has information online about programs to help caregivers learn how to become effective problem solvers. Maintain wellness behaviors Research shows that participating in meaningful activities, exercising and eating right all help a person make the adjustment to being a caregiver, Elliott said. The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center has a brochure titled, Taking Care of Yourself While Taking Care of Others, that explains how to stay emotionally and physically fit while caring for service members with traumatic brain injuries. "If family caregivers don't do these things, they pay a price short term and certainly over time," Elliott said. Get the facts "Family caregivers need to be able to access information any time on their own," Elliott said. "Those who do not have access to information are at a loss." They should check out the Traumatic Brain Injury website sponsored by Air Force Medicine. The site has information about different types of brain injury, symptoms, treatment and recovery and potential long-term effects. The Office of Warrior Care Policy released a Caregiver Resource Directory last month that includes information on resources for military caregivers. In addition, the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center has developed a Family Caregiver Curriculum to provide information and support. News Stories | caregiver Traumatic Brain Injury wounded warriors