Neuropsychology Central

[againer]

Hello I am new to this forum. I have a BS in Psychology with an option in biological sciences. All through school I was interested in the psysiological aspects of psychology including the workings of the human brian. While I was in school I participated in a developmental research lab on a project involving children's learning. In my senior year as well as post-graduation I worked in an inpatient psychiatric hosptial with acutely ill adult patients. I was the evening shift psychoeducational group therapist and loved my job! I really loved the challenge of working with my patients, most of which were under a 302/303 for psychosis or suicide attempts. Recently I was in a very serious car accident where I sustained serious head trauma. I was ejected form the vehicle and unconscious for 11 hours. I wasn't really expected to make it through, I had a subdural hemmorage and a subarachnoid hemorrage. I have found in my recovery though that in spite of everything I seem to have been recovering very well and faster than expected. I believe this may be partly due to my previous knowledge. I have since found a renewed interest in neuropsychology and would really like to get back into the clinical field. I figure that I now have a unique understanding of what its like to sustain such an injury and the recovery process. However, I would like to know if anyone believes that my brain damage could hinder me in any way as I eventually look into getting more education or in getting a job? Also, since I am to take a year off of work while I recover and I am still new in my career will this hiatus hinder my prospects at all? I would really like to focus on the positives and benefit from my situation so if anyone has any thoughts or advice for me I would appreciate it greatly.

[lash]

It might hinder you, and it might not.

As far as the actual effects of the injury, only you know how it has affected you. You also might be acting a bit differently without really noticing it, so you might want to ask someone you trust to tell you how you are different than before the accident.

As for hindering your prospects, if you've recovered as much as you say you have, then I wouldn't think so, but you could always try going back to work for a year or so before applying to schools, if only to prove that you've recovered successfully.

Good luck.
_________________
Lee Ashendorf, Ph.D.
Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA
Co-Webmaster, Neuropsychology Central

[againer]

Thanks for your reply... I have no doubt that in the future I will be fine and be able to get back into whatever I want to... I guess I'm just concerned about bias or judgement. I know that I've dealt with a lot of that already since people don't generally understand brain damage. I get a lot of looks or attitudes like "You look fine to me, start taking responsibility and move on from the accident" esp. when it comes to not having a job currently. It seems that since people can't see the damage they think that it doesn't exist. I just want to know if I should expect anything similiar, or having to explain myself and the accident, in the professional aspect as well.
I do plan on getting back into working for a while before applying to any schools or programs. I've heard that some people don't realize some of the differences until they get back into working or a regular life routine.