Light at the End of the Tunnel (Connections VI)

No one can understand what I am going through.  How could they?  After such a huge change, and especially when family, friends, and therapists clearly don’t understand this is exactly how it can feel.

 

I recommend initiating conversations after therapy and reaching out to classmates in therapy.  Unfortunately, when it feels like others can’t understand reaching out can seem like an almost lonelier and more isolating prospect.  More people to misunderstand and remind you of the separation, and change – this prospect can be terrifying.  This is another reason it is important to ease back into things. 

 

It is vital to remember that one is not alone in feeling this way.  There are millions of brain injury survivors and though every injury is different and each survivor has a unique experience, there are many similarities in all brain injuries. When you feel your therapy routine is under control try joining a brain injury support group. 

 

Being told you are not alone is one thing, but meeting others who have gone through what you are experiencing is another thing entirely.  There are groups for brain injury survivors all across the world.  These communities are wonderful places to meet people, work on social skills and find guidance.  Survivors can share experiences; offer suggestions for how to live with these deficits, and most importantly serve as an example that there really is life after brain injury.

 

Not only are they a place to find much-needed support and companionship, but going can also help you to realize that you are not alone in your struggle.   Meeting others who have gone through similar things can ease the burden of solitude and offers hope for a light at the end of the tunnel….