Valuing Mental Health For Brain Injury Awareness Month
Brain Injury Awareness Month occurs in March each year and is led by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAUSA). Those experiencing a traumatic brain injury or disability from a brain injury can find resources, community, and perspective this month and in future months. Use the hashtag #MoreThanMyBrainInjury to join in on the celebration this year.
According to BIAUSA, more than 5.3 million individuals in the US have a permanent brain injury-related disability, and at least 2.8 million Americans annually incur an injury. BIAUSA founded Brain Injury Awareness Month to bring awareness to brain injury death, head injuries, disability, stigma, diversity, and resources.
How to celebrate this month
There are many ways you can celebrate, including the following:
- Wear a green ribbon to raise awareness of TBIs and a blue ribbon for all types of brain injuries
- Utilize BIAUSA’s media tool kit to post social media graphics, create postures, and narrate videos on the cause
- Educate your community on the impacts of TBI and encourage prevention through methods like installing grab bars in elderly loved ones’ homes or making sure to wear helmets during dangerous activities
- Invite a speaker to your business, school, or community event
- Check the BIAUSA website for upcoming events
- Read survivors’ own stories on recovering from TBI
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD may be associated with TBI due to the nature of traumatic injuries and how the brain injuries occur, whether through combat, motor vehicle accidents, external force, penetrating injury, fall, or other events that can cause a head injury.
In veterans of specific wars, PTSD is a common diagnosis after a TBI. TBI history causes a higher risk of suicide. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month emphasizes the message that suicide can be prevented. If you are experiencing thoughts or urges of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. They are available 24/7 to offer support.
Anxiety and depression
Other studies have found that over 60% of individuals who have experienced a TBI experience mental illnesses over five years after the event. Most participants reported anxiety and depression that was not present before their injury. Both anxiety and depression may also include physical symptoms, which could involve the following:
- Shakiness or tremors
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Headaches
- Sweatiness
- Chronic pain
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Hyperventilation
As TBI can also cause physical symptoms, contact your doctor if you experience any new, worsening, or distressing symptoms.
Memory and cognitive ability
Challenges with memory and cognition may also arise after a TBI, which may cause distress, fear, or uncertainty in those experiencing them. A TBI might also affect speech, learning ability, problem-solving, retention, and concentration.
For some, concerns in cognitive ability may occur more frequently in the first few months after injury. For others, these symptoms may last permanently or long-term. Talk to your doctor to develop a plan to target these symptoms.
How to practice self-care after a TBI
Self-care can mean partaking in activities that benefit your mental and physical health to strengthen the mind-body connection and feel grounded in your present reality. Below are a few self-care methods that those experiencing the impact of a TBI can utilize.
Practice mindfulness or meditation
Studies have proven that meditation can increase self-compassion and improve physical and mental health. In addition, mindfulness is effective in reducing stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms.
Attend a TBI support group
BIAUSA hosts several TBI or brain injury support groups throughout the United States. You can use their map tool to find a support group in your area held by them or another organization. Their map tool also offers resources for medical care, mental health support, awareness, families, caregiving, and community fundraising.
Find a compassionate counselor
Those living with the impacts of a brain injury may also benefit from mental health counseling as a form of self-care this March and beyond. Finding a compassionate counselor educated on the mental health impacts of a brain injury can be crucial for those looking for support personalized to their needs. For many, in-person therapists may not be available due to distance, location, or scheduling abilities.
In these cases, online therapy may be a practical option. Through internet-based interventions, individuals can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions with a licensed therapist based on their availability needs. One study found that online programs are an effective option for treating symptoms of depression in those who have had a TBI.
If you’re interested in signing up for a personalized and available form of treatment, consider a platform like BetterHelp, which offers over 30,000 licensed therapists specializing in various care topics, including disability and its connection to mental health. If you require accommodation upon signing up, you can note this in your intake form.
Takeaway
What is TBI awareness?
TBI Awareness Day and Month aim to raise public awareness for TBI, as over 5 million individuals in the U.S. alone are affected by a permanent brain injury resulting in some form of disability. For those with an TBI, the goal is to provide resources, materials, support services, and continuing education to help these individuals learn more about their condition, how to cope, and where to receive support and care if needed or desired. Additionally, there may be resources available at associated events and gatherings during this time to aid in professional development and training for those who currently treat or wish to treat TBIs.
Is a TBI a mental disability?
TBIs are considered a form of disability. There are three categories of TBI disabilities: mental, physical, and sensory, and they can be short or long-term.
What are 5 symptoms of TBI?
Symptoms differ depending on the type and severity, and can include:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Mood shifts
- Issues with memory or concentration
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Unusual agitation or anger
- Weakness
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Coma
What are the three main types of TBI?
The three categories of TBI as described by professionals are mental, physical, and sensory. Within these categories, brain injuries are classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
Is TBI a lifelong condition?
Some TBIs may last for only a few days (such as a concussion), or in severe cases may be lifelong. It all depends on the type and intensity of injury sustained, as well as whether any providers are involved in care, support, and symptom management.
What age is most likely to recover?
Evidence suggests that children and adolescents are most likely to be survivors of and recover from TBI. Interestingly, research has shown that early adolescent and adolescent patients are likely to experience the most improvement, while adults and children under six years of age who have sustained a TBI are more likely to experience long-term complications and potential worsening of the condition as time goes on. More research is needed to determine “a more accurate correlation of disease outcome with the maturation stage of the brain,” as described in the linked study.
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