June: Brain Injury Awareness Month
Each June, Brain Injury Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder that not all injuries are visible—and that healing from a brain injury extends well beyond physical recovery. In Canada, an estimated 1.5 million people live with an acquired brain injury (ABI), with thousands more diagnosed each year due to trauma, stroke, infection, or oxygen deprivation (Brain Injury Canada, 2023). Despite its prevalence, brain injury remains under-recognized, particularly in the realm of mental health.
What Is an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?
An acquired brain injury is any damage to the brain occurring after birth that is not related to a congenital or degenerative disease. ABIs are commonly categorized as:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)—caused by external forces like falls, car accidents, or assaults.
Non-traumatic brain injuries—resulting from internal events such as stroke, infection, or lack of oxygen.
Every ABI is different. The outcomes vary based on the injury’s cause, severity, and location in the brain.
The Mental Health Impact of Brain Injury
Brain injuries can significantly affect cognition, behaviour, and emotional regulation. While physical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, dizziness, headaches) often receive medical attention, psychological effects may persist for years and are often misunderstood.
Common Mental Health Consequences of ABI include:
- Anxiety disorders and panic symptoms
- Depression and mood dysregulation
- Emotional lability or outbursts
- Memory issues and impaired executive functioning
- Social withdrawal and identity confusion
These changes can deeply impact self-esteem and relationships, especially when individuals feel “not like themselves” but struggle to articulate or explain what has changed.
Why Psychological Support Is Crucial
Mental health care is an essential part of brain injury rehabilitation. Psychologists and therapists can support individuals by:
- Providing psychoeducation about the emotional and cognitive impact of ABI
- Developing coping strategies for behavioural and mood changes
- Addressing grief and identity loss associated with post-injury life
- Improving communication and relational functioning
- Supporting families and caregivers, who also face emotional and practical stress
Research shows that psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and supportive counselling can significantly improve quality of life and emotional regulation for people living with ABI (Bradbury, 2008).
Breaking the Stigma
One of the greatest barriers to recovery is the invisibility of brain injury. Many individuals are told they “look fine,” despite dealing with daily cognitive fatigue or emotional dysregulation. This disconnect can lead to feelings of shame, frustration, and isolation (Brain Injury Canada, 2023). Awareness campaigns are essential for dismantling these misconceptions and validating the lived experiences of survivors.
You Are Not Alone
Recovery from a brain injury is a complex journey—but it is possible. Psychological support plays a key role in helping individuals rebuild meaning, identity, and connection after ABI.
At PsychSolutions, we understand the intersection between brain and mental health. Our trauma-informed clinicians are experienced in supporting clients living with ABI and their families. Whether you are navigating mood changes, burnout, or identity shifts, we’re here to support your healing journey.
References
Brain Injury Canada. (2023). Acquired brain injury facts and statistics. https://braininjurycanada.ca/
Bradbury CL, Christensen BK, Lau MA, Ruttan LA, Arundine AL, Green RE. The efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy in the treatment of emotional distress after acquired brain injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008 Dec;89(12 Suppl):S61-8. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2008.08.210. PMID: 19081443.