Our social networks comprise family, friends, work and community. These networks, along with the person’s ability to maintain a sense of self, can be adversely affected by brain injury. Interpersonal difficulties can result from changes in personality and behaviour and communication which may occur following a significant brain injury. These changes can have an adverse impact upon relationships with the person’s partner, family, friends and colleagues. The person may have difficulty relating to others and/or maintaining relationships/friendships.
Partners, family and close friends often experience emotional turmoil following the brain injury. Initial distress and concern for the life of their loved one may be followed by feelings of guilt, anger, denial and depression. The roles within a relationship may change dramatically e.g. the person with a brain injury may be unable to care for themselves or return to work and their partner may need to become their carer and may have to give up employment. Changes in financial circumstances may lead to high levels of stress for the person with brain injury and significant others.
Loss of access to normal social routines (work, education, family events, leisure activities etc) can have a devastating impact upon the person’s psychological wellbeing. Their lifestyle may become impoverished and they may experience high levels of boredom, frustration and social isolation. This negative experience may be confusing and distressing, often resulting in a marked deterioration in the person’s mental health (i.e. adjustment difficulties).
Following brain injury, there is an increased risk of alcohol and/or substance misuse particularly in those who have had pre existing alcohol and/or substance misuse issues. Some individuals may even become involved with the Criminal Justice System because of significant changes in their behaviour following brain injury resulting in offending behaviour (http://www.nrio.com/files/2011/11/NRIO-Outcome-Study-Highlights-2004-2007.pdf).