I acquired my brain injury during childhood when I was in Grade 3. I was picked up and thrown by another child and landed on the back of my head. I sustained a serious head injury with significant bleeding. Since then, I have experienced ongoing challenges with emotions, stress, and mental health, and I have wondered whether these difficulties may be related to that injury. As an adult, I have been seeking support through mental health services and exploring whether I may have an acquired brain injury (ABI) or traumatic brain injury (TBI). I am continuing to work with healthcare professionals to better understand my condition and access appropriate care.
Throughout my recovery journey, having support from others and learning to ask for help have made a big difference. Being connected with mental health and addictions services, support workers, and healthcare professionals has helped me feel less alone and given me direction. Moving into a calmer and more stable environment has also helped reduce stress and allowed me to focus more on my well-being.
Taking things one day at a time, being patient with myself, and trying to understand what I’m experiencing have been important. Having people who listen and take my concerns seriously has helped me feel supported. Medication prescribed through the hospital has helped stabilize some symptoms, and I am waiting to continue treatment with a psychiatrist. I have also found that keeping a routine, getting enough rest, limiting stressful situations, and staying connected with supportive people have all contributed to my progress.
Recovery has not been straightforward, and I still have questions and challenges, but I’ve learned that healing doesn’t happen all at once. Small steps, access to resources, and having hope for the future have been some of the most important things that have helped me continue moving forward.
If I could go back to when I first acquired my brain injury, I would tell myself that it’s okay to ask for help and that I don’t have to struggle alone. I would remind myself that healing takes time and that not understanding what I’m experiencing right away doesn’t mean I’ll never find answers. I would tell myself to be patient, to speak up when things feel overwhelming, and to trust that support is available.
I would also tell myself that the challenges I face do not define who I am. There will be difficult days, but there will also be people who care, professionals who want to help, and opportunities to build a meaningful life. Recovery isn’t about becoming the person I was before—it’s about learning how to move forward, adapt, and find strength in the process. Most importantly, I would tell myself that there is hope, and that taking things o
ne step at a time is enough.
I would like people who don’t have a brain injury to understand that not all injuries are visible. Someone may look fine on the outside while dealing with challenges that affect emotions, memory, concentration, stress, or how they interact with others. Recovery isn’t always straightforward, and symptoms can change from day to day. What might seem like overreacting, laziness, or being difficult could actually be someone struggling with things they can’t easily control.
I would like people to know that patience, understanding, and listening without judgment can make a huge difference. Many people living with brain injuries spend years trying to understand themselves and may also be dealing with mental health challenges. Having support, stable relationships, and access to services can have a huge impact on recovery.
I’d also want people to know that a brain injury does not take away someone’s value or potential. We are still people with goals, talents, and dreams. Sometimes we just need more understanding, flexibility, and support than others. A little compassion and willingness to learn can go a long way in helping someone feel seen, respected, and included.
