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Coma Recovery Association, Inc.
Coma can be emotionally traumatic for the family. However, where there is brain activity, the possibilities still exist that progress can occur. Family members, although devastated, at least feel that they can do something to help their loved one, and may begin to use different types of activities to stimulate the comatose patient. The "brain dead" individual, on the other hand, has no such potential. Family members in this case must adjust to the fact that the loved one will not return to a functioning condition, and that it is just a matter of time until the heart and/or other organs stop working, resulting in "body death". Although family members go through a wide range of emotions with any tragic event, brain death can be extremely hard to cope with. This may be because of the uncertainty of an "unresolved" problem. During the time where the family is waiting for body death, support of friends, family, and professionals can be invaluable. Grieving may actually begin before death occurs. Hope for recovery, although unrealistic, may still exist in the family member's mind, interferring with adequate functioning. When brain death has occurred, family members must begin the adjustment process to live without the loved one. This can best be accomplished by accepting help, guidance, and love from others. Robert H. Phillips, Ph.D. This article was originally published in our October-November 1984 Newsletter The International Coma Recovery Institute, I.C.R.I., is dormant (no longer in operation.) CRA NOTE: Doctor Phillips' current address:
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