You are Not Alone
Concussions and brain injuries are considered “invisible injuries”. Due to the injury affecting the brain, others are not properly able to see what those experiencing the injury may feel like. Although you may be able to see symptoms such as slurred speech or confusion, oftentimes an individual can be experiencing a wide variety of other symptoms they are not telling you about and can be in great pain.
However, millions of people are affected each year. If you feel alone you can hear other peoples stories and/or seek help from a medical professional. Below are some videos of others stories.
My Story
I was once a three sport athlete, playing soccer, basketball, and track and field. Sports were my everything. However, after receiving 5 concussions I had to stop playing contact sports. The effects from the concussions were effecting my everyday life and I realized my long term health and my brain were more important than high school sports.
I received my first concussion playing soccer in the fourth grade. At the time not much was thought of it and I was out of school for only a couple of days and back to sports within a couple weeks. In the sixth grade I received my second concussion. Again, nothing much was though of it and I returned to school a week later. Despite my doctors note and the pain I experienced I was forced to complete standardized testing for hours.
Although this negative experience was not always what occurred or occurs I find that even when others try to help there is still a stigma regarding concussions and brain injuries. Oftentimes individuals, whether that be fellow students or athletes, teachers, family, friends, or coaches among others do not truly understand what a concussion is or what I was experiencing.
In my experience, overtime I have found the education of concussions has improved. However, there is still a stigma regarding concussions and miseducation of concussions. This often causes individuals like myself to push through. I recall often pushing through the day at school despite the incredible headaches and other symptoms I experienced. People may do this because of the stigma, to not be viewed as weak or different, to not miss important activities or sports games, and not to inconvenience others (with accommodations) among other reasons.
This is why this project is so important to me. By continuing to help others learn about concussions and brain injuries the care for those with these injuries will only improve.
Without the original proper care and treatment for my first two concussions, I suffered greatly with my following concussions. It took over 7 months for me to heal from my third concussion. Although my fourth and fifth concussions did not take as long to heal from I still suffer from concussion related issues today.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a concussion or brain injury please seek help from a medical professional.
Supporting Others
As previously discussed, brain injuries are invisible injuries. As it may be hard for you to view or know what an individual suffering from an injury is experiencing there are many things you can do to help.
- Educate yourself
- Talk to the individual 1 to 1
- Understand and respect their needs or wants
- Help them feel included
- Talk to a medical professionalIf you are a educator you can quietly check in with the individual throughout the day or class
- Accommodate the individual's specific needs (ex. Low volume level, limited screen time, allow them to wear sunglasses if needed or turn off lights if able, allow breaks, etc… )
Resources
There are many resources available for further research on acquired brain injuries and brain aneurysms. Listed below are some possibilities of resources. However, if you thing you are suffering from a brain injury seek help from a medical professional.
Brain Injury Association of America
Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island
CDC
ThinkTaylor Foundation
Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado