A brain injury can change many parts of life, including how we interact with other people and how we protect ourselves. Sometimes, people may notice that we need additional support, but that does not give anyone permission to take advantage of us or disregard our boundaries.
In this conversation, Adeline and Alex Lombardi discuss personal safety, vulnerability, communication, and the importance of having people who can help protect and support us after a brain injury.
Adeline shares some deeply personal experiences, while Alex offers practical suggestions for communicating boundaries before situations become uncomfortable or unsafe.
💗 When People Start Treating You Differently
Adeline describes a troubling change in how some people treated her after her brain injury.
She explains that people she had known for years began behaving in extremely inappropriate ways, even though they had never acted that way before her injury.
She wonders why this happened and how she can protect herself when she cannot have someone with her every moment of the day.
Alex acknowledges how serious the situation is. She suggests that some people may perceive a person with a significant brain injury as more vulnerable, which can unfortunately affect how they treat that person.
This conversation highlights an important point: having a brain injury does not make inappropriate behavior acceptable. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and consideration.
🛡️ Having Support and Extra Protection
Alex tells Adeline that having someone around who can help look out for her is an appropriate safety measure given what she has described.
Adeline explains that she currently has people around her who help protect her, but she is concerned about what happens when she is alone.
Alex suggests considering additional support in situations where it may be needed. For example, Adeline could ask for a nurse or another appropriate support person to be present during certain appointments or interactions.
The larger message is that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Having trusted people involved can provide an additional layer of support when navigating situations that feel unsafe.
🗣️ Communicate Your Boundaries Before They Are Crossed
One of Alex’s main suggestions is to communicate boundaries in advance.
She shares an example from her own life. During her first pregnancy, she did not establish clear boundaries, and her postpartum experience was difficult. During her second pregnancy, she began communicating her expectations to the people who would be around her well before the baby arrived.
Her approach was to make sure everyone understood what life would look like and what she would need.
Alex suggests applying a similar approach to other situations: communicate expectations before someone has an opportunity to cross a boundary.
For someone navigating life after a brain injury, this might include:
🗣️ Explaining what kind of assistance you need.
🤝 Telling people how you expect to be treated.
🚫 Communicating which situations make you uncomfortable.
🧑🤝🧑 Asking a trusted person to accompany you when necessary.
🩺 Speaking with medical providers in advance about the support you need.
Clear communication cannot guarantee that everyone will respect your boundaries, but it can make your expectations known and help you identify who is willing to respect them.
🏥 Speaking Up About Medical Support
Adeline also raises concerns about inappropriate behavior involving medical providers. Alex recognizes how disturbing this is and suggests that having a nurse or another support person present may be worth considering.
Adeline then shares that she has experienced vertigo and previously fell, breaking three teeth. She also describes feeling grateful that she can now participate in the video conversation without experiencing the same level of dizziness.
Her experience is a reminder that brain injury-related challenges can affect everyday activities and interactions in different ways.
If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe during a medical appointment, you can communicate your concerns, request another staff member’s presence, or ask a trusted person to accompany you when possible.
You deserve respectful treatment in healthcare settings.
🧠 Understanding Changes in Behavior After Brain Injury
Adeline also discusses experiences she describes as paranoia, including worrying that people were stealing from her. She mentions giving away many of her belongings and reflects on changes in her judgment, responsibility, and decision-making.
She wonders whether these experiences could be connected to changes involving the frontal lobe.
These are personal experiences Adeline shares in the conversation. They should not be assumed to happen to everyone with a brain injury or attributed to one specific brain region without an individual medical assessment.
If you or someone you support notices changes in judgment, decision-making, behavior, or feelings of paranoia after a brain injury, it is important to discuss them with a qualified healthcare professional.
📋 Finding the Right Medical Support
Adeline explains that she has participated in several medical evaluations, including appointments with four neurologists and different scans. Although she received a traumatic brain injury diagnosis, she felt that she was left wondering what to do next.
She describes the experience as receiving a diagnosis without enough guidance about the next steps.
She also refers to a section on page 17 of the book she and Alex are discussing. It lists different types of doctors who may be relevant to particular symptoms.
Her experience highlights how important it is for people with brain injuries to have access to information about possible specialists, appropriate follow-up, and support for ongoing symptoms.
A diagnosis is an important step, but patients may also need clear explanations, referrals, and a plan for addressing their individual concerns.
💗 Love Love Brain Thoughts
Adeline and Alex’s conversation brings attention to an important part of life after brain injury: feeling safe, being respected, and having the support to communicate your needs.
Setting boundaries is not always easy, especially when you are dealing with changes in your health, independence, or relationships. But your needs and personal safety matter.
Here are a few reminders:
💗 You deserve respect. A brain injury does not give anyone permission to treat you inappropriately.
🤝 Ask for support. Trusted people can help you navigate situations where you feel vulnerable.
🗣️ Communicate clearly. Whenever possible, explain your expectations before a difficult situation occurs.
📢 Speak up when something feels wrong. You have the right to raise concerns and ask for appropriate support.
🩺 Seek professional guidance. Changes in behavior, judgment, or emotional well-being deserve individual attention from qualified healthcare professionals.
You may not be able to control how other people behave, but you can take steps to communicate your boundaries, seek support, and protect your well-being.
💬 We’d Love to Hear From You
Have you experienced changes in how people treat you after a brain injury?
What has helped you communicate your boundaries and feel safer in everyday situations?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Your experience may help someone else feel less alone and encourage them to speak up for their needs. 💗
🎥 Watch the Video
Watch Adeline and Alex Lombardi discuss personal boundaries, safety, vulnerability, and finding the right support after brain injury.
📚 Learn More About Alex Lombardi
Alex’s Book Title:
What You Build From Here
Alex’s Website:
Alex Lombardi Official
Alex’s Instagram:
@alexlombardiofficial
Alex’s Facebook:
Alex Marie Lombardi
Alex’s Podcast:
Explore Enriched with Alex Lombardi on Apple Podcasts.
Book Review:
What You Build From Here
Get the Book on Amazon:
What You Build From Here
Visit Alex’s website to learn more about her work, speaking opportunities, and The Brain Edit™.
If you enjoyed this interview, consider exploring Alex’s book and following her work for more ideas on intentional living, personal development, building sustainable habits, and creating a life aligned with your goals.
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Note: Every brain injury is different. This content shares personal experiences and general support information. It is for education and support, not medical advice.
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