The Importance of Support Groups for Survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury

For those who have survived a traumatic brain injury, there is often little treatment available after an injury and almost no counseling. For this reason the advantages of joining a support group are beneficial in many ways. And for those who are adamant that they do not want to join a group, there are internet brain injury support groups for those who are computer literate. The following is a list of the benefits of joining such an organization.

- Encouragement is given to assist members in achieving their rehabilitation goals.
- Members are encouraged not to give up when the going is tough and when things do not come easily.
- There will be assistance in helping a brain injured person acknowledge their losses and to move on with their new life.
- Members share their personal experiences which often helps others with their own problems.
- Being a member of a support group helps those with head injuries retain a continuing safety net. Many survivors have lost their homes, their jobs and their families. They do not have a healthy network of family and friends who are involved with their rehabilitation. Many are unable to return to the jobs they had pre-injury. They have nowhere to turn and often no motivation to look for help. Support groups can help them through these difficult times. Brain injuries are a lifelong disability and as such will require lifelong assistance. Support groups can fill this need.
- Members of support groups will hear stories of others' challenges and successes which may help them with motivation.
- Support groups can give assistance in helping to get resources, information, education and help.
- Attendance in a group will almost certainly ensure inclusion in social activites, offer the opportunity to become aware of recreation programs and available community services.
- Sharing experiences can bolster self-awareness and self-esteem.
- Many groups have access to a resource library.
- Help is offered in coping with difficulties associated with brain injuries and also with anger management problems.
- Most groups will have speakers in to discuss relevant problems, to give information on brain injuries and its effects as well as give assurances that they are not alone.
- Many groups offer life skills classes and help with adjusting to deficits.
- A few will offer counseling or make recommendations of where to go for counseling.
- Because all members have experienced similar difficulties, they support each other, listen, and understand the problems each person is faced with.
- Some groups meet on a drop-in basis while others meet on regular days at specified times with people who attend each meeting faithfully.

Those who have taken that step to joining a support group have also taken one of their first steps towards accepting their new life and moving forward.