How did you first get involved with Headway?
I got involved with Headway after the time I spent at Murdostoun Castle. It was them who referred me.
How has Headway helped you since your acquired brain injury?
Headway has been a great help to me and my family. I have made a few good friends. At Headway we all understand each other, and can offer a listening ear.
What are your favourite activities at Headway and why?
My favourite activity is the Writing Group. My love of writing has blossomed. Each week we are given prompts to encourage our writing. I also really enjoyed the Walking Group. My balance class changed to a Friday, so I no longer go.
I enjoy the drop ins too. Just sitting drinking tea and eating biscuits while chatting is good.
What have been the biggest challenges for you having an ABI?
The biggest challenges? Well, it took me a while to accept that I’d had a brain injury. Having to take early retirement from work was hard to do, but I guess it wasn’t one of the challenges you’re talking about.
Accepting my chronic fatigue certainly challenges me. Not being able to understand some words, and sometimes using wrong words is challenging. Taking ages to learn new things is also challenging. It’s challenging every day when you look in the mirror and see yourself, you talk and hear yourself. I am me, but somewhere there’s a new me.
What is something you wish people knew about having an ABI?
I wish that people could understand chronic fatigue.
Leave a Reply