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Action for Brain Injury Week 2022 – See the hidden me

feelings from hiding brain injury
New research shows more than three quarters of brain injury survivors struggle every day due to their hidden disability.

As part of Action for Brain Injury Week 2022 (16th – 22nd May), Headway Leicester is sharing the stark results of the See the Hidden Me study which found that 76% of brain injury survivors experience problems on a daily basis because of the hidden, and often misunderstood nature of brain injury.

When a brain injury occurs, in a moment of trauma or medical emergency, the life of the person affected, alongside the lives of their loved ones, are changed in an instant. The See the Hidden Me campaign focusses on raising awareness of the battle that survivors and their carers face after the injury.

 

The study was led by Headway – the brain injury association. In February 2022, they launched a survey to explore the feelings and experiences of those affected by acquired brain injury around brain injury being a hidden disability. The survey was completed by 2,682 respondents, providing a large sample to gain an accurate picture of the emotions and challenges of living with a hidden disability. 

Key results:

A message for others

The three most popular words chosen by survivors to sum up how their hidden brain injury made them feel were: Misunderstood, Frustrated and Vulnerable.

Given the fact that a lack of understanding from society was the highest rated challenge of living with a hidden disability, the responses provided in this section are of particular importance and relevance in order to improve this widely reported lack of understanding about the challenges of living with a hidden disability. 

Be patient

Don’t judge

Learn about brain injury

Just ask, and listen about brain injury

Don’t undermine the effects of brain injury

Recognise the fluctuating and unique nature of brain injury

The study shone a spotlight on the otherwise often hidden consequences of brain injury, which affect not only brain injury survivors themselves but the wider caring network around them, affecting opportunities, relationships and emotional wellbeing.

 

The concluding message from respondents is clear: be patient, kind and take the time to learn about brain injury.

 

By following these maxims, we can all improve our understanding of what living with a hidden disability can be like, and therefore provide the right type of support.

Please help us continue to improve life after brain injury.

brain injury statistics

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