The essential loss of a marriage partner without death creates awkward problems for the non-injured spouse. They find themselves in a social limbo - not fitting in socially with couples or singles. There is often stress with the in-laws. Consideration of leaving the marriage, which is a legitimate choice, usually sets off lots of conflicting feelings. Commonly, the wife feels trapped in the situation because no one is available to care for the survivor.
Financial devastation is frequently the aftermath of a husband's brain injury.
Wives are more likely to declare bankruptcy, sell possessions, etc. than parents of a survivor. This dramatic change in economic status multiplies the stress on the non-injured spouse. These unique problems experienced by spouses of brain-injury survivors can be helped with peer support. Because professionals and friends have such a limited understanding of issues for spouses, it can be most helpful to talk to someone else who is travelling this long, rugged road. This linkage with other spouses is not always easy because the number of affected spouses is small compared to the number of parents of brain-injury survivors.