Simple Analogies...

Here are some simple ways to explain a brain injury…

Organization

The library is there; the librarian goes in and out...

Energy

Double the effort with half the energy creates a double edged sword.

Have you ever owned a vehicle with no fuel gauge?

Voicemail

Thank you for calling and please be advised my brain is under re-construction. I assure you that I’ll be sharper, clearer, and more able then ever before after completion. Until then, I ask that you are patient with me as I’ve lost mine. Thanks again for calling, please press 1 to leave a message and be aware it may be lost in my abyss… BEEEEEP…

Chaos & Frustration

Imagine you were moving your office and in the process the tailgate opens up and everything scatters all over the road. You manage to pick up most of your files, tools, decor, supplies, computer, and any other random things one keeps in the office. Imagine your new office with most of what you need. You’re frustrated at first as you notice a few things were broken, and some things that you use often were missing. The computer works, yet it's a bit slower, and some parts of it simply don’t work. You begin to make due and over time things get better, more organized, and you continue life as usual. On occasion you come across something that doesn't work properly or simply isn't there; but you didn't know till now. You also assumed it would be there, and now you cannot finish the task at hand. Imagine every time you search through the files to find something, there is an uncertainty of whether or not it even exists. To find out, you have to search the entire room. The on going discovery of tools lost or damaged and memories plagued with uncertainty is the life of a brain injury survivor. Please do not tell the IRS you had an office accident. As far as I know, the IRS has not approved of disorganization as a reason to not pay. Nice try though…

Invisibility

One thing that is difficult with this type of injury is invisibility; no one can see that you are different then you were before. This is not an insult, although most assume they are dealing with the old me, and have trouble seeing I’m a different person altogether. I simply ask this question. “If Tom Brady had his right arm amputated, would you expect him to win the next Superbowl?” Short, sweet, and people usually understand…