Energy Management

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking down complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first ones.

-Mark Twain



Fatigue after concussion is a very common symptom and places second after headache. Up to 50% of patients are affected by post-traumatic brain injury fatigue (PTBIF) 6-month after their injury. PTBIF negatively impacts work performance, family life, personal relationships, mood, physical performance, quality of life and, most importantly, recovery. The complexity of addressing PTBIF lies in the fact that many factors come into play and are unique to brain injury. Our energy management program uses cognitive and behavioural modifications to address fatigue factors. Eliminating fatigue is not the goal of this program; it is rather to help patients attain control over their fatigue symptoms by learning how to effectively save and spend their energy.

 


WHAT DID OTHER CONCUSSION PATIENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT GROUP ENERGY MANAGEMENT?

“The program was helpful in understanding why I feel tired and what changes I need to make. I still use [the activity program template] to plan my day. It helps me make sure I follow guidelines and gives me a deeper understanding of why I might feel more exhausted on some days compared to others.”

“It has helped me manage my fatigue independently. I now understand the reasons for my exhaustion and strategies to improve energy levels. I felt hopeless and stuck before this.”

“Thank you so much for the hard work put into this program. Working on fatigue has helped other physical symptoms as well and my sense of self-worth.”

“I am grateful. The entire team at the clinic, is amazing, loving and knowledgeable.”

“Dr. Boulanger has been an excellent facilitator. As well, the manual is very helpful.”

 



 

ENERGY MANAGEMENT TRAINING IS DIVIDED INTO 3 PARTS

 

Each part consists of 4 weekly, 45-minute, OHIP-funded, online (over OTN) group counseling sessions

Counseling facilitator: Maude Boulanger, MD

 

PART 1: UNDERSTANDING FATIGUE

In part 1, you will develop the tools to understand the vicious cycle of fatigue, identify factors contributing to your fatigue, develop your fatigue mindfulness and explore the relationship between your lifestyle habits, daily activities and energy levels.

 

REGISTRATION IS BY INVITATION ONCE EVALUATED BY DR. BOULANGER AND DEEMED TO BE A SUITABLE CANDIDATE

PART 2: MANAGING FATIGUE

In part 2, you will learn and practice new energy conservation strategies, building on your solid foundation of fatigue knowledge. Participants can aim to achieve a better balance between activity and rest while reaching their personal goals and improving their quality of life.

 

PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE COMPLETED ENERGY MANAGEMENT PART 1: UNDERSTANDING FATIGUE BEFORE SIGNING UP.

PART 3: COGNITIVE RESTRUCTURING

In part 3, you will explore ways to identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns that can inadvertently make it difficult to make progress despite a solid comprehension of fatigue and energy conservation strategies. Blocks to recovery and relapse prevention will also be addressed during these sessions.

 

PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE COMPLETED ENERGY MANAGEMENT PART 2: MANAGING FATIGUE BEFORE SIGNING UP.

PART 1 SESSION START DATES

Wed Sep 4, 2024

Wed Oct 2, 2024

Wed Oct 30, 2024

Wed Nov 27, 2024

PART 2 SESSION START DATES

Tue Oct 1, 2024

Tue Oct 29, 2024

Tue Nov 26, 2024

PART 3 SESSION START DATES

Tues Oct 29, 2024

Tues Nov 26, 2024

Please note: While we endeavor to limit the session to the allotted time, at times, the sessions go overtime because of discussion and questions. Please keep this in mind when scheduling group counseling appointments. We recommend that you do not book anything else for 30 minutes after each group session.