Moodiness and irritability after closed head injury - can I do anything about it, or just give it time?

Question

I was semi-recently in an auto accident where I had a concussion and a closed head injury. I was told the fact that I cracked my skull saved things from becoming a lot worse, and since, I have seen a bunch of doctors and have recovered very well in most respects.

I'll be able to go back to college and take a light load of classes, which was a big concern for me since within the first month after the accident I could barely read or keep my attention on anything. I still struggle occasionally, but, I force myself to read in order to help exercise myself.

What I am finding right now, however, is that (especially by the end of the day) I am becoming very moody and irritable since the accident. I haven't really snapped at anyone, I'm pretty good at keeping my cool in general, but, when I feel like I might be getting mad at someone or something, even for no good reason, I sort of keep my mouth shut - which makes for rather awkward social situations. Most of my friends understand, but, new people that I meet and customers at work definitely notice that I act sort of strangely.

At first, I was putting myself in these situations as a similar sort of exercise, but, now, I just feel I'm embarrassing myself more than I should, so, I avoid hanging out even with my friends later at night, when I'm getting tired and cranky. And I used to be a night owl!

I'm on some meds for anti-anxiety right now, it helps a lot earlier in the day through the afternoon, but the evening - especially after 8pm or 10pm - is the worst time for me.

What sort of stuff might I be able to do for (and by?) myself, to help improve my mood, or prevent myself from regressing into this state, especially late in the day?

Answer 1

wow...that sucks.  

some people get over it, others don't.  you won't know until you either get over it or don't.  crappy answer, huh?  

so, in the mean time while you're figuring out what's going to happen to your moods, you should try meditation and other anger/stress management techniques.

my friend was the victim of a near fatal accident and he discovered kung fu and one other martial art (can't remember off the top of my head) that taught him to focus his energy.  it was a really effective way for him to deal with the post traumatic stress.  perhaps that's what you're dealing with and haven't realized it?