Problem Solving
| Physical | Communication | Cognitive | Behavioural / Emotional |
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The term “problem solving” is used to describe how we deal with everyday difficulties. When we problem solve we apply a set of rules to everyday problems to solve them quickly and successfully. After brain injury, problems often seem to pile up and people may feel so overwhelmed that they may give up trying to solve their problems.
Persons with a brain injury or their families may get conflicting advice from other family members, friends, and professionals making it even more difficult to decide what steps to take. Survivors and families often find that resources are limited after brain injury. Money is a problem for those who stop working. Support from friends and outside family members may also be hard to find.
Signs that someone may have difficulty with problem solving are:
- Individuals with TBI may not recognize there is a problem, which is the first step in problem-solving.
- They may have trouble analysing information or being flexible in the way they think.
- They may have difficulty deciding the best solution, or get stuck on one solution and not consider other, better options.
- They may make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences, or not use the best judgment.
Strategies for problem solving:
- A speech therapist or psychologist experienced in cognitive rehabilitation can teach an organized approach for daily problem-solving.
- Work through a step-by-step problem-solving strategy in writing
- Define the problem
- List possible solutions
- List the pros and cons of each solution
- Pick a solution to try
- Evaluate the success of the solution
- Try another solution if the first one doesn’t work.
