MANIC: THE URGE TO PURGE AFTER A TBI

By DA FRONT PORCH
Estimated Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Imagine surviving a serious car accident and living with a traumatic brain injury. Then one day, you suddenly feel the need to get rid of everything.

The MacBook? Give it away.

The iPhone? Somebody else can have it.

The camera, recording equipment, iPad and electronics? “I don't need any of this.”

Then an important event comes up.

Now you need the same equipment you gave away. Suddenly, you're buying older models, newer models—or even trying to buy back your own property.

This is the urge to purge.

For some people living with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), damage or changes affecting areas involved in judgment, impulse control, planning and emotional regulation can contribute to behavior that feels completely rational in the moment but becomes difficult to understand later.

A TBI can also exist alongside other issues that may affect behavior. Bipolar disorder and manic episodes can bring racing thoughts, reduced need for sleep, extreme energy, impulsive decisions and a feeling that every idea is the right one. Neurological changes, medications or medication changes, alcohol and other substances can also affect mood, judgment and decision-making.

That doesn't mean every person with a TBI who gives something away is manic—or that a TBI automatically causes mania. But when the behavior becomes repetitive and costly, it's worth paying attention.

WHEN THE PURGE HITS

Warning signs can include suddenly giving away valuable possessions, making major decisions without thinking about tomorrow, excessive spending, sleeping very little, racing thoughts, rapid speech or behaving dramatically differently from normal.

The best move may be simple: pause.

Don't sell, donate or give away important property immediately. Create a 24- to 72-hour waiting period for major financial decisions. Talk with a qualified medical or mental-health professional who understands the person's TBI and overall health.

WHEN OTHERS TAKE ADVANTAGE

Family, friends and business partners should also recognize when someone may be vulnerable.

If people suddenly start saying, “You don't need that,” “I'll take it,” or pressure someone to sell valuable equipment cheaply, they may be taking advantage of impaired judgment.


Support can be as simple as saying:

“You don't have to make this decision today.”

Protecting important equipment, delaying major transactions and encouraging professional help can prevent a temporary episode from becoming a permanent financial loss.

DA FRONT PORCH TAKE

For someone living with a TBI, the urge to purge may not be about wanting a minimalist lifestyle or simply making room for something new.


It may be connected to changes in impulse control, judgment, mood or brain function—and those changes can overlap with bipolar disorder, neurological issues or medication effects.

The strongest move isn't always getting rid of everything.

Sometimes it's waiting long enough to make sure the person making the decision today is still going to agree with it tomorrow.