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Virginia Veteran and Family Support Conducts March Brain Injury Awareness Month Campaign

Posted: March 1, 2016 | Categories: VVFS News

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month  and Virginia Veteran and Family Support continues to partner with local, state and national agencies by conducting an awareness campaign in March each year. The theme for the 2015 to 2017 campaign is: Not Alone.

The Not Alone campaign provides a platform for educating the general public about the incidence of brain injury, the needs of people with brain injuries and their families and the campaign lends itself to outreach within the brain injury community to de-stigmatize the injury, empower those who have survived, and promote the many types of support that are available.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur when something outside the body hits the head with significant force and impact. This can be the result of a head hitting the windshield during a car accident, an impact from a fall, head injuries received during sports or other recreational activities, or trauma from a nearby blast or explosion during military service, TBI can cause changes in someone’s ability to think, control emotions, walk, or speak, and can also affect sense of sight or hearing.

Traumatic brain injuries can be characterized as mild to severe and the changes someone experiences that are caused by any TBI could significantly affect many areas of a person’s life.  Some changes which can result include cognitive changes, behavioral changes, physical issues related to functioning under normal conditions, depression, anxiety or changes in an individual’s sleep patterns.

Coping with the effects of a traumatic brain injury can be challenging both for the individual and their family/friends.  By educating yourself in regards to what can be done to manage the challenges associated with a TBI or knowing the resources available to assist, the impact of a traumatic brain injury can be lessened.

  • Talk to your family and friends
  • Contact your family doctor and discuss your symptoms with them and request a referral to a specialist if necessary
  • Visit your local VA Medical Center or Vet Center
  • Contact an audiologist or ophthalmologist if you are experiencing challenges with your hearing or your vision
  • Talk with a qualified mental health professional
  • Connect with a spiritual or religious advisor

Questions? Click here to learn more about the Virginia Veteran Family Support Program and learn how we may serve you.