I remember listening to the radio with the children. Queen Máxima was discussing something sensitive, but not something that would normally require a box of tissues.

Yet tears suddenly began to rise. I could not stop them. There I sat while my children looked at me with wide eyes. Their faces seemed to ask: “What are you doing?”

It was awkward and completely unexpected. I had always been sensitive, but this went further. It felt as though my emotions no longer had a filter.

Brain injury can affect how emotions are experienced and regulated. For me, it felt as though the boundary that would normally slow down a reaction was sometimes missing.

That was extremely confusing. I tried to remain strong, especially for my children, yet it still happened. Feeling that I was not fully in control of myself could leave me deeply unsettled.

I became emotional about things I would previously have let go more easily. A kind gesture, a film or even a simple conversation could bring tears.

Slowly, I learned that I did not always have to stop those feelings. They were part of my experience and of the person I was becoming after brain injury.

To anyone experiencing something similar, I want to say: you are not alone. Unexpected or more intense emotional responses can occur after brain injury, although every person is different.

Give yourself room to feel, even when it is unexpected or intense. Emotions make us human. They do not always need to seem logical to be real—even when the tears come during a broadcast featuring Queen Máxima.

If emotions sometimes take over, try not to judge yourself too harshly. It helped me to accept that this was part of my journey.

If emotional changes are new, become worse or have a major effect on daily life, it is sensible to discuss them with a doctor or treating professional as well.