Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month: Valuing Mental Health

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 (TBI) 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 brain injury awareness celebration this year. 

What is Brain Injury Awareness Month?

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 the month

There are many ways you can celebrate Brain Injury Awareness Month, 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. 

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. 

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 after a brain injury

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 

The Brain Injury Association 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 tailored 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 tailored 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.