A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a life-changing event, leaving you and your loved one facing a new and often confusing reality. A TBI is a brain injury that can be caused by a forceful bump, blow or jolt to the head, or by an object piercing the skill. It can affect a person’s thinking, memory, emotions, movement and even sensation. Daily tasks that used to be simple can become frustrating challenges. A TBI can leave a person to deal with a lot of things, like having a hard time walking or speaking, navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, and coping with overwhelming emotions. A qualified medical team and therapy program are super important; in addition, there’s another helpful tool that can make a big difference in your loved one’s journey: a support group. This could be in the local community, virtually, or as part of the therapy program at Ability KC.
Feeling less alone on the road to recovery by joining a TBI support group
The beginning of getting better after a head injury can feel lonely. Your loved one may feel like they’re on a different path than everyone else. This feeling can leave them struggling with things like:
- Getting frustrated — Getting better takes time, and there can be setbacks in recovery. It’s natural for them to feel frustrated. Hearing stories from others in the group who’ve pushed through similar challenges can give your loved one a much-needed dose of hope. The other group members can share how they dealt with frustrating moments and what helped them keep going. This can help your friend or family member see that the hurdle they’re currently facing can eventually be a distant memory.
- Experiencing mood swings — Head injuries can significantly impact your loved one’s emotional well-being. They may feel happy one minute and angry the next. Support groups can give them a safe space to talk about the mood swings they’re experiencing and learn coping strategies from others who have been there. Fellow group members can share tips to help your loved one manage the sometimes overwhelming emotional shifts and how to communicate effectively with their loved ones when they’re feeling down.
- Feeling left out — Talking and doing things your loved one used to enjoy may be harder after their TBI, which can make them feel isolated and left out. Joining a support group can give them the opportunity to meet people who understand what they’re going through. They may have faced similar challenges and know how isolating it can feel to struggle with things that used to be second nature. Sharing experiences can help your loved one feel like they belong and build a sense of community.
Knowing they’re not alone on their journey can really help your loved one feel better and keep trying to improve. Support groups are like a big family, offering encouragement and understanding.
Learning helpful things from others
Your loved one can learn a lot from other people’s experiences, like:
- Daily living tips — People in the TBI support group can share tricks for things that may seem like big challenges now, like taking medicine on time, handling their finances or using special tools to help them with everyday tasks.
- Better communication — Head injuries can sometimes make it harder to find the right words or to understand what others are saying. A TBI support group can help your loved one find new ways to communicate with friends and family, whether it’s using pictures or sign language or simply finding new ways to express themselves.
- Helpful connections — People in the group may know about resources in Kansas City that can help, like doctors who specialize in treating head injuries, financial programs that can help with unexpected costs, or even transportation options to help get your loved one to appointments.
This knowledge can help your loved one get better connected so you and other family members can be more involved in their recovery. All of you can feel more informed and empowered to advocate for their needs.
Getting support and encouragement: A team cheering on your loved one
Think about the excitement at a Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals or other Kansas City sporting event, with everyone cheering together for the home team. A support group can be like that for your loved one’. Your loved one can experience a powerful emotional boost that can radiate through their friends and family. Here’s what your loved one can expect from a TBI support group in Kansas City:
- People who understand and can provide hope — People in the group know how tough things can be after a head injury. They’ve been there too. They’ll listen without judgment and offer heartfelt encouragement. Your loved one will find a sympathetic shoulder to lean on and a listening ear when they need it most.
- Big and small wins celebrated — Every improvement is a victory for your loved one, no matter how small it may seem to them. A support group can give them the space they need to recognize these wins and celebrate their progress. This can help them stay positive about the future.
- Support in stressful times — Knowing they have a supportive network that cares can make recovering easier and help them manage the stress that can come from recovery. They won’t feel like they’re alone on this journey.
Find hope and support for TBI recovery with Ability KC
If your loved one is facing the challenges of TBI recovery in Kansas City, they don’t have to go it alone. At Ability KC, we have a rich history of over 75 years, offering comprehensive TBI rehabilitation services and connecting people with supportive resources. Our support groups provide a safe space to connect with others who understand, share experiences, and gain valuable knowledge. With our compassionate team by their side, your loved one will have access to expert guidance, encouragement, and a community that can empower them to overcome challenges and reclaim their life.
Ability KC is a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF) with a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.