17 years ago I sustained a head injury from an accident. When released from a trauma center they never advised me I had a traumatic brain injury. I looked ok, I sounded ok...but I was not.
While you couldn't "see" my injury it caused cognitive, executive and memory deficits...among other challenges. I became one of the thousands of walking, talking "silent injury " injuries. I was unable to work, my personality changed, I became unable to deal with light or sound, my memory was a 2 week window..and so on. I would never be the same again.
The first 3 years post injury were very painful for me and my family until I was finally diagnosed. The journey has been long and challenging...you cannot "cure" a brain injury, you cannot "fix" a brain injury.
Brain Injury Association of Georgia offered me an opportunity to speak with someone who understood, provided information and educated us. They provided resources that connected us to health care professionals who were knowledgeable with brain injury. We were directed to Support Groups, peer mentors, that helped us not feel so alone - because I did lose my job, friends, family members - I was one of the lucky ones whose wife has stood by me - people do not understand your "new normal".
BIAG - which is the ONLY nonprofit serving brain injury in Georgia with its programs and services - helped us get the resources and help we needed. I have learned to accept my "new normal", that I am doing the best I can and feel valuable....which I do through volunteer services and advocacy (I did not lose my ability to articulate!!).
This injury impacts EVERYONE! Please support their efforts to provide hope, help and support services.
Review from Guidestar