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Home > Military TBI Topics > Adam at Ease Video Blog > Transitioning from Combat to the Civilian World: It's Easy to Overreact
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Transitioning from Combat to the Civilian World: It's Easy to Overreact

Transitioning from Combat to the Civilian World: It's Easy to Overreact

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Hey guys, it's Adam. Today I want to talk about overreacting in situations out in public or anywhere you may feel that you overreact. A lot of times after brain injury or with individuals suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder overreaction is a common event. They hyperescalate their concerns, their issues, their anger, and that can really cause some problems in regular civilian society as well as in a military environment. So one of the ways, whether it's somebody who stole your parking spot, whether it's arguing over who was in line first at the grocery store, whatever it may be, take it down a notch. Kind of remember, be aware of what's going on, how you're hyperescalating, and you'll start to notice yourself inside your chest getting angry, getting frustrated, getting physically and verbally upset at the situation. And the earlier you recognize that, the earlier you can kind of de-escalate the situation. But on a larger scale, on a broader scale, you're going to want to talk to somebody about that. You can talk to a trusted family member, a caregiver, a medical professional. Talk to somebody out there--maybe it's a friend-- somebody who can really understand you. You can explain the situation and say, "Hey, this is really making me mad." "I'm noticing myself overreacting to every situation I'm in." That's not really good long term, so talk to somebody about it and see if you can't find a way to kind of tone that back a little bit. A lot of times, just talking to somebody will help. Thanks.

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Do you feel your anger start to hyper-escalate when someone steals your parking spot or cuts you in line at the grocery store? That is not uncommon for service members trying to transition back into civilian life. Adam suggests talking to someone who's been there, who understands.

 
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Hi, I’m Adam Anicich

I’m a former Army Sergeant, a Department of Veterans Affairs employee, a service-disabled vet, and someone with a brain injury. I’m here to share my story with you — along with some practical tips — and I hope that I can help you in your own journey of recovery.

Learn more about Adam >

 

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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. Each year there are a reported 1.7 million civilian brain injuries in the United States. In the military from 2000 through 2012, more than 266,000 service members sustained a TBI. Brain injury has become known as the signature wound of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most brain injuries are mild, and most people recover in a matter of weeks. BrainLineMilitary.org provides military-specific information and resources on traumatic brain injury to veterans; service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Reserve; and their families.

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