Living with a brain injury, one of the best things you can do is to join a support group, and connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Support groups offer you the opportunity to cope with your injury, recover, and get back to a normal life, while also connecting with and helping others. Joining a support group can help survivors of brain injury, their families, friends, and caregivers gain valuable knowledge and learn about resources from other attendees. Support groups can also provide a sense of community and identity for survivors who have struggled with their brain injuries.
Over the years, I have attended many support groups for different reasons, both local and national support groups with local chapters. My experience tells me that both types of groups are beneficial, especially groups with effective moderators. Local support groups are more intimate, and tailored to the local community. On the other hand, national support groups bring light to broader and global issues that concern those with brain injurie. So, perhaps you can join more than one group, and include in your choice both local support groups and national ones.
Later this year, we will be offering another option, our own virtual support group. We are currently looking into Virtual reality devices to provide a more effective support. Stay tuned.
Here are some links to get you get started with support groups: