Living with Personality Changes After Brain Injury
Brain injury doesn’t just affect memory or physical function—it can also impact mood, emotions, and how someone behaves. These personality changes can be among the hardest for individuals and families to understand and accept.
What Causes Personality Changes?
The brain controls our behaviour, emotions, and self-awareness. When it’s injured, the parts that help regulate emotion or manage impulses may be affected. These changes are not a choice—they’re a result of the injury.
Common Changes May Include:
- Increased irritability or frustration
- Reduced emotional control (e.g., crying or anger outbursts)
- Apathy or lack of motivation
- Childlike behaviour or impulsivity
- Depression or anxiety
- Difficulty understanding others’ feelings (reduced empathy)
How to Cope and Support Recovery
For Individuals:
- Acknowledge the changes without judgment.
- Use tools like mood journals or mindfulness to increase awareness.
- Talk to a therapist who understands brain injury recovery.
- Set small, realistic goals for self-regulation.
For Families and Carers:
- Be patient and avoid blaming. These changes are brain-based, not intentional.
- Use calm communication and clear boundaries.
- Take breaks—caring for someone with personality changes can be exhausting.
- Seek support—you’re not alone, and help is available.
Explore our CBT & Self-Help Tools and Family Support Resources to help navigate emotional changes after brain injury.
Remember: changes in personality can improve over time with support, structure, and understanding.