What is a TBI support group? How can one benefit from joining such a support group? What are the different types of TBI support groups? Where can I find a brain injury support group? What are the benefits of joining a support group for people with traumatic brain injury? This article is for you if you are looking for information on TBI support groups.
Hi. My name is Sean Galla. I am a facilitator of support groups and support forums for men, including TBI support groups, with more than 10 years of experience. Whether you are a person living with TBI or know someone who recently suffered a traumatic brain injury, one of the best ways to get helpful resources, recommendations, and support is by joining a support group.
A TBI support group is a fantastic place for anyone to get advice and access to information that can benefit their recovery after a traumatic brain injury.
This article has helpful information about joining a support group and a list of leading support groups for TBI patients.
Table of Contents:
What is a TBI support group?
After a Traumatic brain injury, survivors face a wide range of issues that can be difficult to navigate. Even though these challenges may be unique to every brain injury survivor, depending on the severity of the head injury, most neurological conditions survivors undergo almost similar challenges. A TBI support group or traumatic brain injury support group is a meetup or forum for people who recently experienced TBI. It offers support and resources to TBI patients and their families on how best to lead life after a TBI.
There are numerous TBI support groups catering to different issues related to TBI. Some groups are specifically designed to offer support to carers and family members of TBI patients, while other support forums offer special meetings for TBI patients. Sometimes, it is possible to find meetings that support the patient and the caregiver.
Most abi (acquired brain injury) support groups are pain support groups that focus on brain injury rehabilitation and emotional support to help the patient adjust to their new normal, while other groups focus on offering adaptive activities for patients of TBI. Some support groups are open to patients with TBI or SCI, while others cater to people with any form of physical disability.
Whichever support group you decide to join, it is a vital part of the recovery journey for the patient and the caregiver. In these groups, TBI patients and their minders share strategies, experiences, and a wealth of resources gathered from other people living with TBI.
Why should you join a TBI support group?
Life after a traumatic brain injury can be lonely, and it can help to know that you are not alone as a survivor. For some caregivers, being around other caregivers for patients with TBI can offer a wealth of resources to make it easier to care for a person after a TBI.
The purpose of a concussion support group is to create an avenue where survivors of brain injury can meet other survivors and find support and understanding.
Regardless of the support group you join, you will meet with other survivors, where you share your experiences and learn from one another the best ways to cope after a TBI. Different ways of offering support include sharing helpful resources, active and reflective listening, expressing empathy, and identifying helpful habits to normalize living with a brain injury.
Other benefits of joining a TBI support group include:
- Emotional healing – this is achieved through interpersonal contact with other TBI survivors.
- Sharing similar experiences – ensures members feel less isolated and more motivated to deal with daily challenges.
- Education – through the exchange of information and personal experiences.
- Encouragement – survivors can learn about the achievements of others who have overcome similar difficulties.
- Self-expression – a TBI support group encourages expressing and releasing emotions, creating a greater understanding of oneself and one’s capabilities.
- Contribution – gives meaning to the lives of survivors and helps them feel useful.
- Socialization – helps to establish and maintain meaningful connections with others, which enhances confidence in social skills after TBI.
- Confidence building – members self-direct the support group and work on common challenges.
- Safety – a support group offers a supportive, confidential, non-judgmental environment where honest self-expression and confidence building is encouraged for TBI survivors.
- A sense of growth – long-term members see new participants and realize how far they have come in their personal journey.
Types of TBI support groups
Online support groups
If you are looking for the best TBI peer support group, there are plenty of online community options if you know where to look. Most internet support groups list options by state and include contact details for hundreds of community-based organizations, healthcare support groups, and social support groups. They offer a wealth of resources to provide you with as much information as possible to help you navigate your new lifestyle.
If you are a TBI survivor, stroke survivor or care providers looking for a more personalized approach, you can consider an online support group such as mensgroup that encourages members to attend meetups via zoom and have a dedicated free helpline available round the clock. Mensgroup TBI support group is one of the best online support forums that caters specifically to men’s issues related to TBI and can be accessed from anywhere, be it New York or London.
Even though most online meetups are online, they create a real-life meeting experience, offering TBI recovery a more personalized approach. An online meeting is the best option for TBI survivors who cannot attend physical meetings for whatever reasons. Online meetings are easier to fit into a schedule.
In-person support groups
You also have an option for in-person TBI support groups. These types of support groups provide a more direct approach and encourage face-to-face interactions in real-world meetings.
The only downside to in-person TBI support group meetings is that you can only access support or guidance during meeting hours since the sessions are scheduled weekly or monthly. Also, you cannot attend a meeting from anywhere since they are localized and require members to show up in person at designated meeting locations.
Whichever option suits your needs best, both online and in-person TBI support groups provide a safe space to ask questions, share your stories, express concerns and get support from people who understand.
Recommendations for the best TBI support groups
Brain injury alliance
This TBI support organization offers connections, support, and resources to survivors of TBI in Colorado. They work to ensure that TBI patients thrive in their communities even after a traumatic brain injury. They also support TBI caregivers, loved ones, and family members of TBI survivors.
Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City
The Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City (BIAKS-GKC) is a non-profit TBI support organization that serves thousands of individuals affected by a life‐altering, often devastating brain injury. They have a dedicated team that strives to be the voice of Help, Hope & Healing–through education, outreach, support, awareness, and advocacy.
Traumatic brain injury support program
The TBI support program is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment for conversation about TBI and support for survivors of Brain Injury, family members, and caregivers. The group is diverse, with survivors of many different backgrounds and ages.
The meeting format varies from month to month. Some meetings are separated into groups for easier conversation and support, where survivors are placed in one group and family members and caregivers in a different group. Other meetings focus on specific topics, feature guest speakers, or involve social activities.
Mensgroup TBI support group
This is an online men’s support group with many sub-groups, including TBI support groups specifically for men.
At MensGroup, TBI survivors can get all the support they need when dealing with PTSD, stress, and other post-TBI-related issues. As a survivor who recently suffered a traumatic brain injury, MensGroup has the resource and help you need to manage your symptoms and live a better, more fulfilling life.
MensGroup recognizes the connections between TBI and mental health issues. If you are a trauma survivor looking for help to overcome your trauma and related symptoms, MensGroup has all the help you need.
Group therapy is an effective tool for overcoming any trauma-related challenges. Trauma can lead to isolation, making the conditions worse. Being part of a support group ensures you are always amongst people who understand and that you have a free space to share and learn.
As an online support group, you can be sure that there is an active support session you can attend. MensGroup ensures you gain access to a support network, even when TBI has made it impossible for you to leave your home.
Conclusion
TBI survivors often have difficulty returning home and integrating into everyday life after their experience. This often puts a lot of pressure on them and their families. Living with TBI can disrupt your life and that of your family members. By joining a support group, you can get the help and support you need as you face your symptoms and work on overcoming them. If you are interested in living a whole and complete life, joining a TBI support group like MensGroup is the first step to recovery.
