Issue 3 - 2017
MENTAL HEALTH
MANAGE YOUR CONDITION
IMPROVE COGNITION
IMPROVING AWARENESS
THERAPY
RELATIONSHIPS
www.HealthisYourWealth.co.uk
Contents Contents
1
Addictions, Brain and Behavior
46
Editors message and Reader Letters
2
HEADWAY Alyesbury Vale
54
10 NOT to say to someone with TBI 58
MANAGE YOUR CONDITION
Child Brain Injury Sunlight
6
Muscle Weakness
8
Importance of a Routine
Train Your Brain Brain Training Applications
RELATIONSHIPS TBI Creates a NEW person
70
TBI ONE LOVE
74
Riding for the Disabled Association
76
10
IMPROVE COGNITION Importance of Nutrition
63
12 15
REVIEWS & SUBSCRIPTIONS Book Review
77
Movie Review
78
Subscriptions
79
20
MENTAL HEALTH Normality
27
Key Contacts
80
How to Keep Motivated
33
Supporting Awareness
81
PLEASE NOTE THAT
THERAPY Exercise
37
THE ADVERTISING AND ARTICLE SUBMISSION FOR
IMPROVING AWARENESS What is court protection?
40
THE AUGUST ISSUE IS
HEADWAY Derby
43
JULY 20th
Editors Message
Readers Letters … Send letters to: letters@healthisyourwealth.co.uk
Please note some of these articles are written by patients who are still in We some
have
recently
received
instrumental
feedback
which we incorporated into this publication and will improve
recovery. These articles are deliberately unchanged and may contain spelling, punctuation and grammar mistakes.
the title on many levels, thank you very much to everyone for this
mentorship.
As
this
magazine is a self help guide,
A copy of our medical disclaimer plus
written by people living with a
terms and conditions is on our website.
neurological condition we have decided to tackle “acceptance”.
We respond to each letter!
You will see numerous articles about ‘normality’ and ‘a new me’. This is difficult to address both for the patient and the
Errors and omissions are exempt from
family. However this process
this
should occur in their own time but is a vital step to take! David, Editor
publication.
For
terms
and
conditions please see:
www.HealthisYourWealth.co.uk
2
The Leading Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Solicitors in the East Midlands area. At Barratts we are proud to be different. We ensure that every client has an experienced lawyer acting for them throughout the claim. We visit clients at home and we take the time to listen, understand and explain. We have a reputation for handling claims with sensitivity and offering support during the rehabilitation process. That is why we are locally based but recognised for our expert, independent advice by:
Headway, The Spinal Injury Association, AvMA, APIL, Law Society and independent legal guides including Legal 500 and Chambers Our clients are nearly all personally recommended to us by former clients and professionals. Our caring approach is second to none. If you have been injured and want advice from a lawyer with experience, who has the time to fight for you, then please contact us:For Court of Protection enquiries contact
Julie Greenwood
For Derby contact
Debra Morris
And for Clinical Negligence contact
Julie Hardy
We can discuss how best we can help you and your family in a relaxed setting.
Both Ed and
Debra are specialist head injury lawyers, accredited by Headway and both act as volunteers for local Headway groups at Nottingham and Derby. Julie Greenwood 0115 931 5171 3 Wheatcroft Business Park Landmere Lane Nottingham NG12 4DG
Email Julie.greenwood@barratts.legal
Debra Morris 01332 565395 The Old Courthouse 18-22 St Peter’s Churchyard Derby DE1 1NN
debra.morris@barratts.legal
TYPSCOPE / LETTERBOX Limit the amount of text readers can see at any one time. Cut out the paper ‘letterbox’ below and use it as a guide to prevent the reader taking in unnecessary visual stimulus and help them keep their place in the paragraph. This simple tool is sized to work on 10” tablets and also the printed version of the magazine. It will present the reader with only 3 lines of text and ensue they wont get lost.
Manage YOUR Condition
YOU Are In CONTROL
With a brain injury sunlight can
Effects of Sunlight and Sleep
produce excessive sleep, this may be an as a result how melatonin is processed
After BRAIN INJURY Sunlight produces melatonin which can be beneficial to getting a good nights sleep.
Melatonin is produced by the
pineal gland and regulates the circadian rhythm or the body clock.
Melatonin
begins to be released in the evening and continues
through
the
hours
by the brain affecting the circadian rhythm.
“Some brain injury suffers may be have to make adjustments to their life style to cope with sunny days.�
of
darkness, and with sun rise is turned off again allowing a person to awaken.
As someone who needs to nap in the morning and afternoon but still needs more sleep a lot of the time even after a
After a brain injury sleep can become a
really good nights sleep, I definitely
problem, from insomnia, broken sleep
need more sleep when we have bright
patterns to excessive sleep during the
sunlight. I have to adjust my life to cope
day.
Different parts of the brain are
with bright sunlight but there are
involved in sleep and depending on the
stratagems that I am able to employ, the
part of the brain which is damaged and
first is to accept that you need more
the severity of the injury all these
sleep and do less.
factors will influence how problems with sleep will effect the individual.
Plan your days so that you are able to take lots of brakes and try not to get over tired as if you do get over tired 6
catch up with your sleep this is
limited your brain function is, as
important as the effects of the brain
being unaware is what you are
injury will become more prevalent.
suffering from and when you are
Some
disorientated so times you do not
simple
precautions
such
as
protecting yourself by wearing a hat
realize.
with a wide brim and sunglasses this will help but dose not stop the problem, get used to taking it easy in good
this can be surprisingly difficult, proof if you needed it you are brain damaged.
wake up in evening thinking that it is morning or are awake in the middle of the night, you may feel as if you are sleeping twenty out of twenty four hours a day and are still
“Bright sunlight can overwhelm
tired. Get all the sleep you feel you
you at times and be painful to
need and hopefully it will not last to
your eyes� After taking all the precautions you still
long.
Dave Finney, UK, TBI Survivor
Managing Your Condition
weather try to enjoy the easy way of life
If you loose your sleep pattern and
may be unable to cope to a satisfactory standard. Unfortunately there are many times when you are unable to cope, if you are able to recognize on how badly you are coping you will know how bad that you feel but you may not be aware of how 7
After a brain injury, muscles may show
Muscle Weakness
different degrees of weakness. Some muscles may be stronger in one limb than another. Damage to certain parts
Typical weakness affects usually one side of the body and therefore all muscles on one side are affected. This can result in one leg or arm being not as functionally competent as the other one.
Muscle tone, strength, and
of the brain may result in slow, jerky, or uncontrolled movements. You may hear the terms: hemiparesis: muscle weakness on one side of the body onlyhemiplegia: muscle paralysis (no movement) on one side of the body only
co-ordination Muscle tone is the amount of tension in a muscle when at rest. When muscle tone is normal, the limbs and body feel easy to move. A brain injury may damage the normal control of muscle tone. This may cause decreased muscle
Posture The head and neck give the eyes, mouth, and tongue a stable base. The trunk (the body between the shoulders and hips) gives us a stable base so we can use our arms and legs.
tone—the limbs feel floppy and heavy
To move normally, the head, neck, and
(hypotonicity) or more than normal
trunk need to be properly positioned
muscle tone—the limbs feel stiff and
when standing and sitting. A brain
tight (hypertonicity). Both affect the
injury can affect the muscles that
person’s ability to control movement.
control head, neck, and trunk positions. 8
It can also affect the sense of what is
(for example, walking on different
midline or upright.
surfaces like carpets, tile, rough concrete, and snow).
This
may
be
caused
by
wrong
Endurance
information coming from the senses about position, limited range of motion,
Endurance is the strength one has
weakness. It can also be caused because
over time. It can be measured how
the person had a poor posture before the
well the person tolerates a treatment
brain injury. If posture is abnormal or
or an increase in the treatment (for
poor, you can help by asking the person
example,
to
further then make him walk faster).
muscle
concentrate
tone,
on what
pain,
he
feels,
reminding him to visually check how he’s sitting, or standing, or by physically helping him into the correct posture.
Balance
Please
first
talk
make
to
your
him
walk
healthcare
provider, such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, for tips on how
to
help
someone
who
has
physical changes after a brain injury.
Managing Your Condition
or
abnormal
Our brain and nervous system is always making adjustments so that we keep our balance. If the ability to balance is affected after a brain injury, the person may react too fast, too slow, or not at all. To
improve
balance, therapy may
involve practicing in different situations
9
“Importance of A Routine” The fatigue experienced after brain
starts to happen then I know that I have to either sleep or rest. However usually a Powernap during the day gets me back on track.
injury is probably the most difficult to
Pace yourself
manage and the most deliberating.
Endurance
One of the thing I have learnt to do is better manage my fatigue. I used to do
The most important thing to recognize is
one thing a day however I am still
that your endurance is no where near
caught out. I recently started Yoga and
what it was. There is no magic wand or
this for me is a killer. I now know that
medicine you can take to resolve this,
on the day I do Yoga I don't do anything
it’s about
else.
“knowing when your fuel tank is
Traffic light system
on empty”
Now I use a traffic light system to gauge
The problem is that your ‘fuel tank’
the impact of activities. Yoga for me is a
can drain to zero very quickly and
RED
sometimes without much warning!
impact and I can do two of these a day
Therefore this very difficult to gauge.
so I colour these as ORANGE and then
Know The Signs Everyone is different. For me my balance starts to deteriorate, my voice slows and I start to get tinnitus. If this
other activities are a medium
the rest are GREEN. If it’s a new task I assume that it will be red unless proved otherwise.
David, UK, TBI Survivor 10
EXERCISE & NUTRITION
“Importance of Nutrition” The Difference between Almond, Dairy, Soy, Rice, and Coconut Milk
amount of carbohydrates and protein, with some or all of the fat removed. While whole milk has 150 calories in one serving while semi-skim milk has just 80 calories. Almond milk is made from ground
It wasn't long ago that you could only
almonds and filtered water. People
get one type of cows milk (whole milk /
who are allergic to almonds or nuts
full fat). Now you can buy semi-
should avoid almond milk.
skimmed and a host of alternatives to cow's milk. Almond, soy, rice, and coconut “milk” plus Goat’s milk. Each type of milk has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on a person’s diet, health, nutritional needs, or personal taste preferences.
Unsweetened almond milk is lower in calories than other milk plus is also free of saturated fat, and it’s naturally lactose-free. Even though almonds are a good source of protein, almond milk is not. Almond milk is also not a good source of calcium
Whole milk is cow's milk with none of
unless it is supplemented with calcium
the fat removed.
and vitamin D.
None of the milk’s natural components
Soy milk is made from soybeans and
are removed. That means whole milk is
filtered water. Like other plant-based
high in natural proteins, fat, and
milk
calcium. Other cow’s milk has the same
thickeners to improve consistency and
alternatives,
it
may
contain
shelf life. 12
Because it comes from plants, soy milk
Coconut milk is made from filtered
is naturally free of cholesterol and low in
water and coconut cream, which is
saturated fat. It also contains no lactose.
made from grated mature coconut
Soybeans and soy milk are a good source
flesh.
of Probiotic or fermented soy milk is also
Coconut milk contains more fat than
available. It’s also a better choice for
the other milk alternatives, and
people with high blood pressure.
nearly all of it is saturated. Coconut
water. It’s the least likely of all of milk products
to
cause
allergies.
That
makes it a good choice for people with lactose intolerance or allergies to milk, soy, or nuts.
rice
contain a type of fat some research suggests this type of saturated fat may actually help with weight loss. However, saturated fats in general increase risk of heart problems.
It is generally recommended not relying solely on
in recent years, partly because they
and
rice
products,
Managing Your Condition
Rice milk is made from milled rice and
products have become more popular
especially for infants, children, and pregnant women.
13
activity you were doing.
“Fitness Trackers”
You can set your goals steps-wise to suit your lifestyle, as well as setting sleep goals, weight loss goals etc., plus there is
Jawbone UP3 Fitness Tracker I originally bought this as I was on a bit
also a section to enter daily food intake, allowing you to track calories.
of a health kick and thought it might
The feature I find the most useful on
help with motivation. The reason I chose
this band is the sleep tracking function,
the Jawbone over all the others on the
as sleep is something I really struggle
market is that it looks more like a piece
with, finding myself lying there awake
of jewellery as oppose to a rubber band,
clock-watching and working out how
plus it has the added feature of a heart
much time is left until the alarm goes
rate monitor and an easy to use app
off. Wearing the Jawbone UP3, I find
which links up via Bluetooth.
this particular stress is removed, as
The band itself looks very stylish and is comfortable enough to wear all day and night. The steps tracking appears to be accurate
and
will
automatically
regardless of when I get to sleep, the app will let me know in the morning how much sleep I got, even breaking it down into deep and light sleep.
recognise when you're doing actual
Overall, I love this piece of kit, and
exercise as opposed to just general
wouldn't be without it. I would rate it
walking around - a message will pop up
★★★★★.
from the app asking, "Were you active between 6.30pm and 7.15pm?" and then giving you the option of specifying what
Jill Hughes, UK, TBI Survivor 14
IMPROVE COGNITION
“Exercises to Strengthen your Brain!” The rules of brain training: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Try and do a minimum and maximum of thirty minutes each day. Try and commit to doing for ten weeks. This duration requires that you set time to one side to complete this. It has to be challenging to work. If it’s to easy there are no benefits. To keep motivated set yourself rewards. If you complete an exercise give yourself a reward, something to look forward to! As well as doing exercises on your own work with others to increase your social skills.
Word Search MOTIVATION MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY CONDITION COGNITION RELATIONSHIP AWARENESS REHABILITATION RECOVERY WELLNESS
16
This maze is much more complex than usual. You start on the left hand side and have to escape to exit on the right hand side. There are multiple paths and dead ends!
However there are multiple dead ends and only one solution! Perhaps time yourself to see how long it takes you, take a note of the time and try it again a few weeks later.
Improve Cognition
START
17
Cris-Cross Across
Down
1. TREATMENT 4. PHYSIOTHERAPY 5. BRAINPOWER 10. INSIGHT
2. 3. 6. 7. 8. 9.
INTERACTION HEALTH PSYCHOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING Incentive IMPROVEMENT CIRCUMSTANCE
18
APPLICATION REVIEWS
Pace My Day
foresee in using the app, one is that motivation and remembering to use it always seem to be problems with using technology as feedback loops.
Also there is a problem with the lag experienced with fatigue. You don’t always feel the fatigue straight away and it is an accumulative thing as well How friendly is it? This is an interesting app that has some potential for using with the brain injury population. It is essentially a fatigue management system. It took me a little while to really get my head around it
so it is the task on top of a task on top of a task that can be the problem. However, I think it would be interesting to try with people so they can begin to understand their fatigue better. I suspect the price may put off many.
and to feel I could use it and explain it to patients. I think without support a lot of our patients would give up before finding out what it could do for them. Unusually the app does not seem to be linked to a calendar or at least it is not there on the app. There are a couple of problems I can
What will it do? So
there
are
a
couple
of
nice
questionnaires that you have to fill in one in the morning and one before going off to bed. These help you work out what activities you might do with your day. You are encouraged to work out how 20
much energy this task will cost you. You
If you rate your current state as
can also say if it will be an unknown i.e.
being ‘exhausted’ the app encourages
You don’t know how you will feel after
you to question whether you should
doing the task. Clearly the idea is to
be doing that task that day.
build up this information to help you pace and fatigue manage in the future. The app encourages you to take breaks and the breaks can be such things as meditating
or
walking,
you
can
What
phone/system
is
it
compatible with? Compatibility: OS X 10.10 or later, 64-bit processor Cost?
think is a great idea.
£4.99 from Apple iTunes We give this a ★★★ rating
Improve Cognition
incorporate your own ‘break’, which I
21
What will it do?
Simple Simon
Play this game daily to train your memory, and test your memory against your friends and family. It starts of easy with just one light/ sound and then adds another after each successful time the player gets it correct. Additionally
the
sounds/lights
get
quicker as the game progresses. What phone/system is it compatible "Simon Says" is a classic memory game:
with?
Watch the buttons light up in sequence,
Requires iOS 5.0 or later. Compatible
and repeat them in the same order. The
with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
sequence grows longer and longer with
Cost?
each level completed.
Version 3.0.2 is Free
How friendly is it? This game is very simple but highly
We give this a ★★★★ rating
addictive. Each ‘coloured button’ lights up and plays a sound. These sequences have to be re-entered by the player in the same order that the game played them. 22
Punch in the city you're going to
Packpoint
travel to, the departure date, and the number of nights you'll be staying there. PackPoint will organize a packing
PackPoint travel
is
a
free
packing
list
organizer and packing. PackPoint will help you organize what
list and luggage checklist for your luggage that takes into account weather,
duration,
laundry
requirements etc.
suitcase based on length of travel,
For anyone with memory/organizing
weather at your destination, and any
issues this could work well for you.
activities planned during your trip.
What
How friendly is it?
compatible with?
It is relatively straight forward to use,
Requires
although I do wonder that if you only
Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and
travel a couple of times a year is the
iPod touch.
effort you put in equal to the benefit you
phone/system
iOS
9.0
or
is
it
later.
Improve Cognition
you need to pack in your luggage and
Requires Android 4.0 and up
are receiving. Cost? What will it do? Once your packing list is built and organized, PackPoint will save it for
This new version is Free, but to get the professional version is $2.99 We give this a ★★★ rating
you. 23
Automatically
creates performance and usage reports that can be emailed Speeds recovery from injuries and stroke
Dexteria
Designed in consultation with Occupational Therapists
Turns the iPad into a therapeutic tool
Dexteria turns your iOS device into a therapeutic tool that improves fine motor skills and handwriting readiness
The automatic tracking and reporting feature makes it easy for parents, teachers and occupational therapists to identify time on task and progress.
in children and adults.
You can email the progress reports Dexteria’s unique hand and finger
right from the app itself.
activities take full advantage of the iOS multi-touch
screen
to
help
build
What phone/system is it compatible
strength, control, and dexterity
with?
How friendly is it?
It works with Apple/Android tablets
Easy to use and looks great
Cost?
What will it do?
This is free however Multi-user tracking
Increases coordination and motor control in the hands and fingers
is available as an in-app purchase. We give this a ★★★★ rating
Works for kids and adults
24
Citizens Advice Bureau Budget Tracker
What will it do?
Quickly
know
your
daily,
weekly and monthly budget
Simple to add and categorise incomes and expense items
Easily track essential versus non essential spending
At a glance understanding of your spending habits Inform your financial decisions
Make the most of your money
to spend on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Your spending is categorised and presented in a clear and concise way to
What
phone/system
is
it
compatible with?
show you where your money is spent, what percentage of your budget is essential and to help inform your financial decisions. How friendly is it?
Requi res
iOS
7.0
or
later.
Improve Cognition
You will see exactly how much you have
Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. This application also works with all Android tablets (Android 4.0.3 and
Quickly, simply and confidentially work out your budget. In order for it to be accurate the application does require that you enter all incoming / outgoing money.
up) Cost? This new version is Free, We give this a ★★★ rating 25
MENTAL HEALTH
evaluate. All the pretending that
Mental Health
everything’s ok has caught up with
“Normality”
me and I’ve realised I’m a better actor than I ever gave myself credit for!
Once upon a time, I was a normal mum with a normal job, living a relatively normal life. All of that changed on New Years Eve 2013 when, on the way back
village where I live, after a few too many drinks and wearing totally unsuitable heels, I slipped on some ice and hit my head on
a road
sign,
causing
a
subarachnoid haemorrhage and an end to my life as I knew it.
24/7 since my accident, so that’s become “normal” for me. If I say out loud that I have a headache, it generally means that it feels like someone is squeezing my head in a vice, whilst simultaneously playing a fingernails-down-blackboard noise in
Mental Health
from a party at a friends house in the
I’ve had a headache pretty much
both ears. Sometimes my vision goes all sparkly round the edges too, which brightens it up a bit!
I have spent the last three and a half years trying my best to carry on as normal; trying to hold down a job, run the house, be a good mum to my son, but I’ve reached a point where I’m just burning out and need to stop and re-
The headaches happen when I get stressed, tired or spend too much time in a noisy, over-stimulating environment, and leave me feeling 27
completely floored for most of the next
made of lead, I ache from head to toe
day. It’s like the worst hangover I have
and I feel like I’m functioning in a thick
ever had, which is ironic as my alcohol
fog.
tolerance nowadays is utterly rubbish.
tiredness, it’s mental tiredness, so when
So when I say I don’t want to come out,
I get to bed, the insomnia strikes, as I
I’m not being unsociable – I just know
just haven’t got the energy to tire my
how much I will suffer for it, and I
body out enough to want to sleep. It’s a
might have things I need to do the next
vicious circle, and please believe me
day. And, yes, I’ve tried painkillers,
when I say:
tried getting more sleep, I know everyone gets headaches, but believe me when I say this is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before
when life
was
“normal”.
Problem is,
it’s not
physical
“I have tried everything to solve it” Milky drink before bed? CHECK! Nice hot bath? No caffeine? TV off? Reading in bed? CHECK! CHECK! CHECK! Bloody CHECK! All “normal” and, having now met other people who have
Let’s talk about tiredness now
also experienced a brain injury, I know that I’m not alone.
I know everyone gets tired, but this overwhelming fatigue is something else entirely. It’s like I only have a certain amount of energy for the week and, if I use up too much on Monday, the next day or so is a write off. My head pounds,
Another pleasant side effect is that my memory is not now what it was. I have conversations that I forget, tell people the same thing several times over, forget
my arms and legs feel like they are 28
appointments and phone calls etc. So if I
This word “normal” – well, it’s how I
don’t reply to a text or don’t call very
look,
often, I’m genuinely not meaning to be
perceived, and, most of all,
rude; it’ll just have completely slipped my mind and I’ll be oblivious that I may have offended. Another thing that is
how I
sound,
how I
am
how I wish I could feel just for one more day.
apparently “normal”. I have no visible scars, no external reminder that my brain injury ever
over most things, which is a total about
happened. Me? I’m reminded every
turn from the confident person I was
second of every day.
before. I’m scared of the dark, I worry that the house is going to be broken into, I can’t cope in crowded places and I
All I want is to be “normal” again –
just don’t feel that sociable anymore.
to hold down a full time job, have a
Most of all, I worry that people are
social life, run around with my son
judging me, or just don’t understand. I
without being in pain, have a day out
try not to turn down every invitation
w it ho ut
that I get, as eventually the invitations
somewhere I can have a rest, clean
dry up, and I do so want to be “normal”
the house without worrying if I’ll
and do “normal” things with my friends,
have enough energy to cook dinner
but I find noisy pubs, clubs etc.
AND walk the dog as well. All the
extremely stressful and hard to deal
things I used to take for granted.
wor ryi ng
if
Mental Health
I also now suffer from massive anxiety
t he re ’ s
with now.
29
I have good days, don’t get me wrong,
confused, exhausted brain around. I’ve
where I almost feel like the old me, but
finally stopped saying “I had a bump on
then I know I’ll suffer for them the next
the head a while back” and started
day. On top of my brain injury, I also
saying “I have a brain injury” because
have degenerative disc disease, which
I’ve realised it’s not going anywhere. It
also severely limits physical activity. I
happened, I survived and it’s part of who
know friends and family mean well, but
I am. I will return to a level of
going for a run/to the gym/going on a
normality, just a different one from
healthy eating kick is not going to
before.
magically solve everything!
It’s life Jill, but not as we know it! This is now my new “normal”. I’m still me, but not quite the me you used to
Jill, TBI survivor, East Midlands, UK
know. I don’t expect everyone to understand and accept that; hell, I struggle to accept it myself!
Acceptance that this is my life now is the hardest bit The idea that instead of expecting to return to how I was, I need to adapt coping strategies to allow me to lead a normal life is very hard to get my 30
31
MOTIVATION
“How to KEEP Motivated?” HFit Fitness Tracker
and realised that it was 1K spread out over one day.
This has a startling effect as you automatically want to
My wife bought this watch so I could
beat the pervious days
keep account of the number of step I had
accomplishment
taken on a daily basis plus the distance Therefore you become self motivated
and my goal is to take the kids to a local
to ‘do more’. Over two months my
theme park which is very large, the
target has steadily increased, its not
rides are spread out and there are
enough to go to the theme park yet
different surfaces / inclines in-between
but as I started with a goal 5,500
them.
steps and am now on 7,500 steps (4
The watch defaults to 10,000 steps a day, I found that I was doing 3,500 to 4,000 so I modified the goal but was
Kilometre) I am confident that I will
Mental Health
I had travelled. I have difficulty walking
get there. Slower than I want it to but it will come!
undecided how far that was however knew that I should start small and aim for 500 meters. The result is that over a day it is fairly easy to complete 500 meters. Therefore I increased my objective to 1 Kilometre (about 900 steps). I soon reached this 33
information
Mental Health help and support services
services.
With
support
and
understanding, Mind enables people to make informed
choices.
The
Info
line
gives
information on types of mental distress, where to get help, drug treatments, alternative
health
therapies and advocacy. Mind also has a
problems or need urgent support, there are lots
network of nearly 200 local Mind associations
of places you can go to for help.
providing local services.
Samaritans
Saneline
Telephone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, free to
Telephone: 0845 767 8000 (6pm-11pm)
call)
Website:
If
you
are
experiencing
mental
www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/
support/helpline Email: jo@samaritans.org Saneline is a national mental health helpline Website: www.samaritans.org Provides
confidential,
providing information and support to people
non-judgmental
emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those
with mental health problems and those who support them. ChildLine
that could lead to suicide. You can phone, email, write a letter or in most cases talk to someone face to face.
Email:
0300
http://www.childline.org.uk/Talk/
Pages/Email.aspx
Mind Info line Telephone:
Telephone: 0800 1111
123
3393
(9am-5pm
Monday to Friday) Email: info@mind.org.uk
Website: www.childline.org.uk ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen. You can contact a ChildLine
Web site: www.mind.org.uk/help/advice_lines Mind provides confidential mental health
counsellor for free about anything - no problem is too big or small. 34
Is this magazine in your doctors waiting room yet?
IF NOT VISIT www.HealthisYourWealth.co.uk and click on subscriptions
THERAPY
BE AS GOOD AS YOU CAN BE
Exercise, “Maintenance for your body !”
exercise the wrong way resulting in
Do exercises Correctly,
muscles properly and a combination
Consistently and Regularly It sounds straight forward enough, however the vast majority of people are not doing their exercise routine 100% correctly. You are spending time doing
the benefits by doing them properly.
Add to this people not stretching the
of strengthening the wrong muscles plus poor posture can lead to all sorts of long term issues! Certainly
you
need
the
right
exercises and to know how much weight to use and when to make adjustments to these parameters but this is only 25% of the battle as you
Its unlikely you will get them right the
also have to add in nutrition. You
first time so it's a good idea to get your
should be aware of what types of
physiotherapist / gym instructor to
carbohydrate / fat and protein there
conduct a periodic review so that you
are and when to eat them in what
can listen to their guidance.
quantity.
It
is
a
Therapy
them anyway so you may as well get all
serious injury.
common
misconception to think: Even small changes to the way you do things can result in startling and huge results.
In fact if you are not specific
enough you can actually do more harm
“If I eat cake now it’s ok as I am going to the gym tomorrow so will burn it off then”
than good. There are many examples of people using too much weight or doing 37
However it doesn't work like that. You
Unless you are a professional athlete or
cant just turn up at a gym, do your
training for a competition there really id
exercise plan and expect the results to
no need to go to the gym everyday.
come. This is why a lot of people simply stop going because they think they are putting 100% effort in but only getting a 10% return! The other thing to add is to ensure that adhere to a schedule that includes rest days. There is no point going to the gym
Results take time and doing twice as much doesn't mean you see results in half the time. Little and often is the key alongside regular
reviews
with
a
qualified
therapist and gym instructor !
every day if your body doesn't have
Add this to a good diet plan and you’re
sufficient time to recuperate. Its worth
onto a winner.
splitting your routine up and focusing
without the other so it will be worth
on specific muscle groups in one session.
talking to a nutritionist and then maybe
For example:
the results you wish for will come!
Monday - Back and Shoulders
Tuesday - Rest Day
Wednesday - Legs
Thursday - Rest Day
Friday - Chest and Arms
You can’t have one
38
IMPROVING AWARENESS
WHAT IS THE COURT OF PROTECTION?
A Deputy can be a professional such as a Lawyer or Accountant or a family member (lay Deputy). When deciding whether a professional or
The Court of Protection is a Court governed by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It has the power to decide if a person lacks capacity to make decisions for themselves and then to decide what actions to take in the person’s best interests. It is designed to both protect and empower individuals who lack capacity. If someone has suffered brain injury you may be told that an application should
lay Deputy should be appointed you will need to carefully consider what is best for the individual concerned.
If large
compensation payments are made it is advisable to appoint a professional Deputy who will be experienced in dealing with complex financial decisions and can guide you through the whole process.
It is an important role and
must not be undertaken lightly.
WHAT IS CAPACITY?
be made to the Court of Protection for a Deputy to be appointed.
WHAT IS A DEPUTY? There are two types of Deputy
Capacity is a difficult concept and just because someone lacks capacity to deal with complex issues it doesn’t mean they cannot
make
some
decisions.
The
Deputy ensures that the individual is Property and affairs Personal Welfare
given assistance and time to make decisions where possible. The Deputy will make those decisions the person is 40
unable to make, acting in their best
Here are some questions to ask the
interest.
solicitor:-
A capacity assessment must be obtained to see if a Deputy is needed. This can be done by a Medical Practitioner who
as a professional Deputy?
examines the person and assesses their capacity.
Who would be dealing with the matter on a day to day basis?
Making an application to the Court of
how long?
can be a daunting and lengthy process.
Do they have small cases loads
question, then you should seek advice
so they are able to provide a
from a specialist lawyer. Most will be
personal service?
happy to provide free initial advice.
Do they have any independent
In cases where compensation is being
references such as Legal 500,
claimed you should include the costs of a
Chambers or Headway?
professional Deputy, including future Deputy costs.
Do
they
have
experience
handling
high
levels
Improving Awareness
Are they qualified and, if so, for
Protection for a Deputy to be appointed
If the capacity of a family member is in
How long have you been acting
of
compensation?
41
Lawyers specialising in the Court of
afraid to ask questions; make sure you
Protection will understand the problems
feel you are comfortable talking with the
and difficulties faced by the individual
lawyer. They are there to help you and
who has suffered a brain injury and
to ensure that the person lacking
their family. It is an important choice.
capacity is involved as much as possible
You need to ensure that the lawyers
about decisions affecting their life.
have the right experience. Do not be
42
Headway Derby Launches drop-in Support Cafe
In officially opening the Support Cafe, the Mayor of Derby spoke of the difficult times that Headway Derby have experienced over the last
Following on from their successful black
year and commended the charity in
tie fundraiser, covered in the last
now being able to establish a new
edition, Headway Derby have launched
service.
the Support Cafe and celebrated with a
Chairperson, Debra Morris, said
visit
from
the
Mayor
of
Headway
Derby
Derby,
the
size
of
our
service had reduced in 2016, The event in March was the first annual
the number of requests for
black tie fundraiser for the local charity
advice and support have been
and raised over £3000 for Headway
increasing. By providing a drop
Derby. Paul Clarke, Service Delivery
-in
Manager, announced on the evening
affected by brain injury can
that all proceeds raised would be used to establish a drop-in advice service and just a few weeks later, on the 13th April,
service
where
people
come for advice, information, or just a drink and a chat with
with a
people that understand, we
networking and celebration event for
are able to help more people
supporters of the service.
more effectively.”
the service was launched
Improving Awareness
“Although
Councillor Linda Winter.
43
The proceeds of the fundraiser were
information service including assistance
presented to Headway Derby by Chrissie
with welfare benefits enquiries and
Rowell,
Hare
applications/appeals, as well as general
Marketing, who organised the event,
advice, support, signposting etc in
and the Mayor was so pleased with the
relation to a brain injury.
service
Director
that
of
whilst
Black
attending
the
opening she invited volunteers of the charity to join her for afternoon tea! On Wednesday
3rd
May
a
group
of
Headway Derby volunteers attended the Mayor's Parlour at the Council House for a very enjoyable afternoon.
This new service is also being supported by the head injury team at London Road Community Hospital. Amanda Pepper, a Case Manager for the team, is working with
Headway
Derby
to
provide
specialist welfare benefits advice during the drop-in sessions.
The drop-in advice sessions, known as the “Support Café” now run every Thursday from the Headway Centre at The Coach House, 14 George Street, Derby DE1 1EH from 1.00 to 4.00pm. It is a free service for all in Derby, Derbyshire and East Staffordshire who have suffered a brain injury, their families and carers. Between 1.00pm and
3.00pm
volunteers
specialist offer
an
staff
and
advice
and
The provision has been so successful already
that
Headway
Derby
are
already looking to expand the service offered at the Support Cafe. From 3pm onwards they are hoping to hold a variety of different workshops and talks to include topics such as coping with a brain injury, mindfulness, anger and fatigue management, IT skills, sports and activities, arts and crafts and 44
anything that may be of interest to those attending.
paul.clarke@headwayderby.org
Forthcoming events will be advertised on social media, you will be able to find them
on
Service Manager at
and
If you are not local you can find your nearest Headway group or branch, visit www.headway.org.uk
@headwayderby or just call the charity to find out more on 01332 986350. Anyone
interested
in speaking or
0808 800 2244
Improving Awareness
running a workshop can contact the
or contact the free phone helpline on
45
The
addiction
word
refers
to
the
Addictions, Brain and
condition of physical dependence or
Behavior
chemical reaction manifested by the brain due to the intake of certain drugs
The impact of addictions in the brain and in the human behavior
in
the
body.
compulsive
On
the
behaviors
other
hand,
related
to
gambling, shopping, video games or eating for example, may not necessarily be tied to a physical dependence, but to a state of tension or emotional stress, generally linked to anxiety. Among the brain areas most affected by
photo credit: forum.linvoyage.com
addictions are the memory and the Addiction
is
characterized
by
the
exaggerated or continued use of a chemical substance, such as alcohol and drugs, or through activities or behaviors practiced in an excessive and constantly way, as shopping or gambling, causing problems and damages for the person's life and for the relationship with the family.
motivation,
specifically
mechanisms
related
the to
neural
immediate
reward. Besides that, the use and abuse of drugs can cause significant changes in the
neural
circuits
responsible
for
learning, attention, motor ability and self-control. This occurs because the drugs disrupt the communication and the
flow
of
information
between
neurons, thereby impeding the ability of
46
a person to plan, calculate, locate, and
According to some researchers, there
communicate with other people.
are
more
people
predisposed
to
develop chemical dependency than A very common addictive behavior today is the activity of sending and receiving text
messages
in
the
virtual
environment. This type of activity can interfere quite significantly in the brain mechanisms of impulse control, causing
others are. People with chemical dependency
would
present
a
deficiency in the neurotransmitters serotonin
and
dopamine,
neural
structures responsible for regulating the mood in the human brain.
in
which
people
necessitate
the
Consequently, the use of chemical
immediate feedback when sending an
substances
as
well
image or comment on social networks.
development
Treatment for this type of addiction
behaviors, may increase in quantity
requires an understanding of how it
and frequency in an attempt to
works psychologically.
satisfy more and more the individual
of
as
the
compulsive
Improving Awareness
dependence due to the numerous times
that aims to overcome feelings of pain,
emptiness,
anguish, immediate
sadness
and
through the relief and well-being
that
the
may
also
addictions offers. Environmental influence photo credit: mikecogh
the
factors
development
addictions. A child
of
or a young 47
woman who lives with parents or a
The
family member that makes use of
associated with people who suffer from
alcohol
some form of mental disorder. This does
or
illicit
drugs
have
great
chances to adhere the use.
addiction
to
drugs
has
been
not mean that every person diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
It was also observed by scientists that some individuals who made use of alcohol and drugs, when cease to using them,
eventually
transferring
the
addiction of chemical order, for the development of addictive behaviors such as gambling, eating, shopping, among
for example, will become addicted to any drugs, but that due to states of euphoria, anxiety or deep sadness caused by the disorder, a person with mental illness may use drugs as an escape to relieve intense distress or a state of extreme anxiety.
others. This occurs because as well as cocaine,
heroin
and
alcohol,
the
addictive behaviors activate the brain's pleasure
centers
releasing
neurochemical substances that generate euphoria and well-being. From this point of view, although addictions
and
addictive
behaviors
presents differences in actions, they are similar
in
feelings,
because
the
biological process are the same in both situations.
photo credit: FootMassagez
The opposite can also happen: a person without mental illness can come to manifest over time psychosis, anxiety, depression or mood instability due to the abuse of drugs. 48
Moreover, what about when addictive
behavior does not interfere much in
behavior and addiction are part of the
financial life, as in the case of buying
same personal conduct? This occurs
compulsively (shopping) or practice
when a person develops a compulsion for
gambling with frequency, which in
drugs or alcohol, for example. In a
most
practical way, instead of this person has
towards a financial failure.
cases leads the individual
an addictive behavior in shopping or gambling, a compulsive behavior by the use of any drugs or the excessive
developed.
practical
cases,
the
person
addicted to drugs often can sustain your
addiction
belongings,
selling
developing
own
thefts
in
shops, or in the case of people at a When a person develops a compulsion
young age, usurping the money of
for gambling or shopping, may be easier
your own parents.
for this individual in recognizing that he/she needs help or treatment, by the fact that these addictive behaviors are bringing some disruption to personal life, such as in financial healthy (in the cases of gambling and shopping).
Faced
with
these
dramatic
situations, one question remains.
Improving Awareness
consumption of alcoholic beverages is
In
Why a person starts using drugs, alcohol or develop addictive behaviors?
On the other hand in relation of compulsion for drugs or alcohol, the
The trigger of drug life or addictive
addict takes a more durable time to
behavior can be characterized by
realize that help is needed, because this
curiosity, peer pressure (in the case
49
of drugs or alcohol among young people), family environment (parents who are drug users, or family members who are alcoholics). Pain or distress about a problem, conflict or situation in which the person cannot see a solution or alternative.
photo credit: Florian_DrĂŠ
Teenagers are more vulnerable to use
The girl can stop eating to resemble any
drugs, alcohol or develop some kind of
model or artist of the magazine cover.
addictive behavior (such as gambling, shopping, eating, electronic games, etc.) because
they
meet
at
a
time
of
identification and affirmation of their identity, beliefs and values. There are still further examples, as in the cases shown below: The teenager can know the drug or the alcohol at school, or starts drinking in order to socialize and belonging to a social group.
The student starts to consume up more and more by shopping in order to, arouse attention and interest to other colleagues, craving admiration for what he / she has and not by his/her essence, friendship or companionship. The young shy teenager can relate to the electronic games in an attempt to be whatever he/she likes, in order to escape from reality or to relief some kind of stressful or distressing feeling. These are just some examples of what may affects some young people.
50
Drugs and alcohol arise in trying to
The
addictive
behavior,
besides
generate relief and pleasure to the
altering neurochemical structures of
person in distress. However, with the
the brain, can also bring imbalances
time of these uses the addiction ceases
in economic, physiological and social
to make the pleasurable effect that had
areas of the person:
at the beginning of consumption. In the case of addictive behavior in shopping or

to
be
in
control
or
in
to
the
fact
that
generate financial losses.
gambling, one feels an exaggerated pleasure
Economic,
Physiological
because
many
dominating position while exercises the
times the adult or the youth
addictive activity.
leaves to eat and sleep in a healthy way, due the addictive
The habit of using drugs and practicing
effects
addictive behavior over time let it be
gambling
drugs, or
alcohol, compulsive
shopping.
only a habit to turn into an obsessive conduct. In this way, the individual can
of

Social
because
the
addiction
no longer imagine your routine without
cause damage in the family
the drug or the act of buying or
relationships, and interpersonal
gambling compulsively. Thus, the act of
relations in the workplace.
using
drugs,
compulsively,
gambling becomes
part
or of
buy the
individual character, so that the person only thinks in the act, ignoring the consequences practices.
of
these
addictive
Improving Awareness

The good news is that the addictions as well as the addictive behavior have treatment and through this, there is the possibility of the person backs to having a healthy routine with dignity and quality of life. 51
The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a
Reading blogs, websites and educational
psychotherapeutic approach based on
materials about the type of addiction /
the principle that the set of beliefs and
addictive behavior.
thoughts
of
the
person
has
great
influence on his behavior. Cognitivebehavioral therapists help the patients to restructure their dysfunctional way of thinking in order to develop more positive and assertive forms of behavior. In
some
cases
it
is
necessary
pharmacological intervention, with the help of prescription medication made by a specialist doctor such as a psychiatrist. These medications can help in relieving symptoms related to anxiety, psychoses, mood
swings,
depressive
episodes,
obsessive behaviors, among others. Family
members
can
help
in
information
through
support
Internet
or
addictive
situation,
and
groups
in-person)
knowledge (over
the
about
the
present
in
the
by
the
family. Look
for
professional
help
assistance of psychologists or family therapists in order to gain a better understanding of how would the best way to help the familiar in distress. It is extremely important that the entire family be involved in the recovery and treatment of the familiar member. The
the
treatment, either in cases of abuse of drugs or alcohol, whether in episodes of addictive behaviors. Regardless of the situation, parents can get help by:
Seeking
development
of
a
healthy
family
environment begins when each member shows interest and empathy for the others. The dialogue is a practice that unites the family ties, creating care and affection between each other.
52
It is crucial that all the family can be
AUTHOR BIO
present in the educational events and
Daniela Silva is a Brazilian educator and independent
counseling sessions.
writer. She holds a BA in Pedagogy from Santa Cecilia University, Brazil, with concentrations in School Management and Business Education; an MBA in
With
the
involvement,
commitment,
dedication and discipline of everyone, especially of the member in addictive condition, it is possible to use techniques and strategies to treat the person's
this way the person in suffering, will be able to feel joy and motivation of having a life again.
Center, Brazil; and a po stgrad uate certificate in Neuroeducation from Estรกcio de Sรก University, Brazil. Working with social projects in the area of e-learning and people development since 2009, Ms. Silva is a regular contributor to several educational websites, writing about teaching practices in the classroom; emotions and learning; evaluation and school planning; learning disorders; homeschooling, brain child development, parenting, Montessori education, andragogy and people training. Additionally, she develops courses and training manuals for teachers and students, and contributes as a mentor in an online platform, answering questions about career plans, college decision, personal development and professional skills. Working in collaboration with The New Heights Educational Group, Inc., she has just published Unraveling
Authored by Daniela Silva
Reading, a book on literacy education and learning disabilities in reading and writing.
Improving Awareness
addiction and the addictive behavior. In
Personnel Management from Monte Serrat University
Email: danieducator@gmail.com References: http://www.axisresidentialtreatment.com/obsessivecompulsive-disorder/how-family-members-can-help/ http://americanaddictioncenters.org/ocd-andaddiction/ http://www.axisresidentialtreatment.com/obsessivecompulsive-disorder/the-link/ http://www.parliament.uk/documents/post/pn356% 20-addictive-behaviours-corrected.pdf http://www.drugrehab.co.uk/drug_information.htm https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/ rrcomorbidity.pdf http://photopin.com/
53
Headway Alyesbury Vale
can be caused by an injury, illness or accident. Trustee Nikki Ounsworth, a partner in
Headway identifies six key issues
an organisation that provides case
facing brain injury survivors
management services for people who have
experienced
catastrophic
Brain injury survivors are hit by social
injury, explained: “We know there are
isolation, face difficulty initiating and
some 1500 survivors of Acquired Brain
maintaining relationships, and have
Injury in the Aylesbury Vale area alone,
problems securing or holding down jobs,
and yet only a small number of them
even if they are capable of doing them.
come to our sessions at Fairford Leys.
These are some of the key issues identified
by
experts
at
Headway
Aylesbury Vale, a charity helping people face up to life after suffering an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Now Headway is urging more survivors from the local area to come forward and
This is frustrating for us because we know we can do so much, in so many ways, to help people face up to the common
difficulties
this
condition
brings.
“That’s why we have listed six key issues resulting from ABI because
seek assistance, rather than ‘suffer in
we hope people will read this,
silence’ alone.
identify with the problems and
The organisation based in Wedgewood Street, Fairford Leys, Aylesbury, has
then contact us to see what we can offer them.”
listed six main outcomes of ABI, which 54
These six issues faced by survivors of Acquired Brain Injury are:
Increased risk of exploitation
and neglect – hidden impairments
Social and physical isolation as a
result of behavioural, cognitive and communication changes. They often do
leaving them at increased risk of being taken advantage of and/or even neglected. Mrs Ounsworth added: “The brain
manner
previously,
injury survivors who do come to
including previous friendships, family
Headway Aylesbury Vale can testify
members and employment circles.
to the very real difference we make
they
enjoyed
to their lives and to the lives of their Lack of employability and financial
hardship.
try us out when they see they are not
Loss of identity from who they
Relationship
alone in the problems they are facing.”
were before.
carers, so I hope others will at least
break-downs
and
inability to form and retain new relationships.
Chairman of Trustees Phil Simmons
Improving Awareness
not feel connected to society in the
said: "In April, Headway Aylesbury Vale was featured on BBC TV South News specifically focussing on its
Lack of access to the community due
music therapy sessions and benefits;
to restricted mobility and support with
followed on the 10th May on daytime
other impairments which enables them
ITV
to interact with people in their
was talking about his issue and how
community, e.g.
weekly visits to Headway
where
an
ABI
survivor
communication difficulties. 55
therapy, information and meaningful social activities. The charity also offers art and music sessions. To find out more, contact Karen on 01296 415469 Or email: info.headwayav@gmail.com. For more, go to http://
‘had been brilliant in helping with
www.headwayaylesburyvale.org/
his issues’. “This was followed by the healthcare professional saying they had ‘numerous mentions of the fantastic work Headway did in this area helping with the cognitive processes’. This all goes to show the benefits to ABI
If you are not local you can find your
survivors of connecting to Headway, so I
nearest Headway group or branch, visit
do hope more people will try out our
www.headway.org.uk
services.” Headway currently opens two days a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, behind
or contact the free phone helpline on 0808 800 2244 E-mail: helpline@headway.org.uk
the Co-Op in Wedgewood Street, offering 56
57
Ten things not to say to someone living with a brain injury
“I know what you mean...I’ve got a terrible memory too!” For people who don't have a brain injury, it can be difficult to imagine the
Living with a brain injury can court an endless stream of ill-informed comments and assumptions.
reality of living with a memory problem. After all, we all forget things, but an injury to the brain can stop memories being stored and/or retrieved, meaning people genuinely can’t remember. Being
Although often well meaning, hearing
forgetful and having memory problems
the same unhelpful remarks can add to
as a result of brain injury are worlds
the frustration of living with a complex
apart!
and often invisible condition.
“But you don’t look disabled...” To help make everyone’s life easier and part of their A New Me campaign, Headway – the brain injury association has teamed up with brain injury survivors across the UK to compile the 10 things not to say to people with a brain injury.
Brain injury is often referred to as ‘the hidden disability’ because the cognitive, emotional and behavioural effects can still be present long after any physical injuries have healed. Don't assume that just because someone looks fine on the outside, they’re not experiencing long-term effects.
58
“Move on and stop dwelling on what happened.”
“You’re tired? At your age?!” A
surprising
number
of
people
experience comments along these lines. Fatigue is a very real and very One to avoid at all costs! The effects of a brain injury can last for weeks, months, years, or even a lifetime. Improvements may
happen
through the
natural
healing process, rehabilitation, hard
person can't simply decide to ‘get better’ and move on.
but
because
completely
it’s
invisible,
often
almost
it’s
perhaps
understandable that people don't immediately
pick
up
on
the
difficulties it can cause. Living with fatigue requires careful management and the support and understanding of friends, family and colleagues.
“You should be back to
“It’s all in your mind!”
normal by now.”
A brain injury does affect the mind,
Two big problems with this one! Assessing
the
effects
and
likely
outcomes of a brain injury challenges even the most experienced doctors, so receiving this advice is likely to result in an angry response. At the same time, the word ‘normal’ can inadvertently cause offence. What is normal?
Improving Awareness
work or a combination of these, but a
debilitating effect of a brain injury,
but unfortunately not in a way that means a person can just decide to get better. Damage to the brain cannot be repaired, and any recovery is a result of the brain adapting to change and finding new ways to work. This isn't something that can be 59
controlled by simple conscious thought
process is relearning lost skills by
so there’s little more frustrating for a
pushing yourself to do challenging tasks.
person with a brain injury than being
It’s often better to give things a go than
told to ‘snap out of it’!
simply accept defeat, so having your ability judged by someone else can be extremely frustrating. It’s great to offer
“Chin up – there’s always
help and support in case the person with
someone worse off.”
a brain injury can't manage a task, but
This common line is certainly well-
tread carefully when judging ability.
meaning, with a clear intention to make the person with a brain injury feel
One of the key aims of Headway is to
better
help
about
their
situation
and
people
regain
as
much
encourage positive thinking.
independence as possible. Brain injury
But when dealing with everyday fatigue,
survivors don’t want people to do
memory
everything for them – they want help to
problems,
difficulty
concentrating or anything else from the
be able to do things themselves.
long list of brain injury symptoms, it doesn't always help to know that some people are dealing with worse.
“I know someone who had a brain injury and they’re fine now.”
“Are you sure you should be doing that?”
This comes down to something many people don’t understand – no two brain
An essential part of the rehabilitation
injuries are the same! Even two people 60
with
very
similar
injuries
may
living with brain injury, as well as
experience totally different effects, and
family members and carers – in
while it can be a motivation to hear of
order to raise awareness of how lives
other people making good progress, it
– and futures – can change in an
certainly isn’t helpful to be judged for
instant.
not recovering as quickly as them.
Andy Nicholson, from Lincolnshire,
“But you were able to do that
sustained a brain injury after falling
yesterday...”
headfirst down a 20ft drop on a
fluctuating nature of a brain injury, which is often down to fatigue. In some
site
Germany
in
while 1994.
working He
said
in he
recognised all of the points raised on the list.
cases it can be because they did a task yesterday that they can't today.
He said: “I’ve heard all of them over the years and they can really be hurtful at times. There is still a
Pushing too hard after a brain injury
lack of awareness about brain
can cause difficulties for hours or even
injury in our society and it is very
days afterwards, and this is a time when
concerning.
Improving Awareness
People who say this don’t realise the
building
support and understanding is needed more than ever. The top ten list is part of Headway’s A New Me campaign. The campaign is designed to give a voice to people affected by brain injury – individuals
“For me fatigue is a big issue, so when
people
make
passing
comments making light of me being tired, I find it very frustrating.
61
Being so fatigued that I’m tired the
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of
instant I wake, is not just in my mind. I
Headway, said: “Living with a brain
wish it was.
injury
presents
a
wide
range
of
challenges, but one of the most difficult things for many survivors is the lack of “Having to concentrate more than none brain injured folk on everyday
understanding from the people around them.
tasks as mundane as simply walking or talking is hard to explain and can be
“We hope by sharing these top
very hard going.
ten examples we can help “Hopefully with more campaigns like
increase awareness around
A New Me, more people can talk
common misconceptions that
about the issues that affect brain injury
can add to the frustration of living
survivors
and
break
misconceptions.”
down
these
with a complex and often invisible condition.”
Please help us raise awareness of this important campaign on social media using the #ANewMe hashtag. More information can be found at the campaigns website
www.anewme.org.uk 62
This is a significant number and in some ways not unexpected as this is
Brain Injury in the Early Years
an age when children are less sturdy on their feet and less aware of their
The
Child
Brain
Injury
Trust
is
currently raising awareness of issues around acquired brain injury (ABI) in
surroundings, so head injuries are perhaps inevitable. According to the NICE Guidelines –
the Early Years setting, i.e. for children
a head injury is defined as any
you to know that following a study by L
trauma to the head other than
Trefan et al (2016) it was revealed that from a group of over 6,270 children (aged
15
and
under),
the
superficial injuries to the face.
peak
Therefore many toddlers are likely to
prevalence of hospital admission due to
experience a minor head injury
childhood head injury is in infants -
(often described as concussion), or a
3,135 children in the study were under
more severe injury which would be
the age of 5.
classified
Infants younger than 1 year:
as
a
traumatic
Improving Awareness
under 5 years of age. It may surprise
brain
injury. The environment for toddlers is, as
1093 (19%) Children aged 1 - 4 years: 2042 (35%)
we know, fraught with obstacles and excitement in equal measures. Some of the most common causes of head injury in this age group is colliding
63
with doors, walls, radiators, tables and
Fall on or from stairs and steps
Slipping, tripping stumbling on the
chairs, as well as running into other children.
The study conducted by
same level
Trefan showed that 12.3% of children included in the study had received their
Fall involving a bed
Fall
injury as a result of these types of accident, and were on average aged 3.7
involving
playground
equipment
years. Other key outcomes from the study
Fall involving a chair
highlighted the prevalence of falls
One of the most significant issues
amongst the under 5’s:
relating to head injuries in Early Years,
Fall from less than 1m 32.1% Average age was 2.1 years
especially in the under 2’s, is that these children are often unable to be aware of, and furthermore communicate, any changes or disturbances to their normal
Fall from higher than 1m
levels
of
cognitive,
physical
and
behavioural functioning.
17.6% Average age was also 2.1 Babies and toddlers may not be able to The top 5 most prevalent types of falls
say exactly how they feel or what is
recorded by Public Health England
hurting or what they are struggle to do,
between 2008 and 2013 for children
and therefore there is a need to ensure
under 5 were:
responsible adults take appropriate action immediately after an injury, on the child’s behalf.
64
In older children and adults signs of
no other way for the parents/care
concussion or head injury may include:
givers to observe any changes to their child following a head injury.
Problems understanding, speaking or writing
It should be remembered that some children
Numbness in a part of the body or loss of balance
may
immediate
be
fine
aftermath
in of
the their
concussion/head injury and for many children, a head injury will have no
General weakness
Changes in eyesight However a very small number of
A seizure
Persistent vomiting
children
may
go
on
to
have
difficulties in the future. This is because:
Memory problems
Persistent headache
Any damaged brain cells will not
Improving Awareness
long term effects.
repair, once damaged they are gone forever
Irritability or altered behaviour such as being easily distracted, not
The full outcome of an injury
themselves, no concentration, or no
may only become apparent over
interest in things around them
a
period
of
developmental For the Under 5’s and especially babies and
toddlers,
the
final
point
time
with
key
markers
are
passed without being achieved
is
particularly significant as there may be
Finally, the human brain does 65
not finish maturing until the child
Communication, speech difficulties,
is in their mid-20s, and only once
difficulty processing what has been
the brain is fully mature will all
said and how to respond
deficits in functioning as a result of
an injury be highlighted.
Changes to normal patterns of behaviour; not a “nice” child any
Typical
problems
that
can
occur
more
following childhood acquired brain (Many of these issues are similar, yet
injury are:
often different in other ways, to other
Problems making new friends and
more well-known difficulties, such as
keeping existing ones
ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorders,
Difficulties
engaging
in
group
activities
Not
being
able
to
focus
and
and
are
often
misdiagnosed
by
unknowing professionals.)
Prevention is always better than cure
concentrate
Acute tiredness and fatigue
Struggling to organise and plan
so it is really important that if you have
when to meet friends, do homework,
a small child or work in an early years setting, that every precaution is taken to protect the Under 5’s from potential
have lunch etc
head injuries and concussion. Below are
Forgetting
new
learning
and
information, or things they did recently
just a few dangers that should be considered:
66
Babies
at an alarming pace so to reduce the chances of head injury make sure
Remember that babies can wriggle
that:
very easily, and in seconds can manoeuvre themselves out of
a
bouncing cradle or car carry seat
Floors are kept clutter free to avoid trips and falls
that has been brought indoors, so NEVER place these seats on a table
or higher surface
Tables have
“soft” rounded
corners and all protruding edges are not at toddlers head height
When changing nappies, despite the common use of changing tables (at
Remember to remove large toys
home or in public areas), a clean
from cots, so the child can’t
floor is often safest place to do this.
climb out and fall
High chairs should have 5 point
These are just a few ideas to help
harness to ensure that the child is
keep the Under 5s safe, please see -
not able to wriggle out of it.
Child Accident Prevention Trust for
Older baby walkers can tip over, and because of the number of incidents all new ones should reach British Standard BS EN 1273: 2005. Is your compliant?
Toddlers - as mentioned earlier in the
more safety ideas like these. Children, whatever their age, can acquire a brain injury through a number of different ways, such as:
Illnesses,
e.g.
meningitis
or
encephalitis
article, toddlers are wanting to explore the world around them, and often do so
Improving Awareness
Strokes 67
Brain tumours
By Louise Wilkinson,
Road traffic related incidents, and
Head of Information and Learning,
other unexpected accidents
Child Brain Injury Trust
Near drowning
Asphyxiation
Poisoning
If you would like more information about our services, please contact our Helpline:
Shaken babies – known as Non 0303 303 2248 helpline@cbituk.org
Accidental Injury The Child Brain Injury Trust is the
Or visit our website:
UK’s only charity providing services to families affected by ABI,
without
www.childbraininjurytrust.org.uk
charge, throughout the UK, no matter how the injury is caused.
68
RELATIONSHIPS
Brain injury creates
among the public, as well as health and social care professionals.
‘new person’, The study found:
research finds New research has shed light onto the
like ‘a new person’ following their injury.
extent to which acquiring a brain injury can change a person’s sense of self.
74% of brain injury survivors feel
77% of brain injury survivors feel friends
According to a study conducted by
person following their injury.
some
going
as
far
as
acknowledging the anniversary of their injury as ‘a new birthday’. It is hoped the findings will help to
74% of people felt their social life
69% of people felt their self esteem was worse.
reported a surprising degree of positivity with
56% of respondents reported their
feeling that their friends did not understand their injury.
come to terms with losing their old self
–
no t
was worse – with 60% of people
respondents the impact of having to
was entirely negative, many others
do
brain injury had had a negative impact on family life.
of brain injury survivors feel like a new
While for many of the survey’s 800-plus
family
understand the effects of their injury.
leading UK-wide brain injury charity Headway, around three quarters (74%)
and
62% of respondents acknowledge the anniversary of their injury; of those who positively commented on their anniversary, 1 in 10 explicitly mentioned acknowledging it as a new birthday.
increase understanding of brain injury 70
“We have always known that brain injury can affect personalities as well as a person’s cognitive and physical abilities,” said Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of
such
as
memory,
speech,
or
movement. However, it can also change
personalities
behaviours,
which
can
and
our
have
a
dramatic impact on our relationships and support networks.
Headway. “This study, however, sheds light on just how lives and futures can be altered an instant as a result of
“What is clear from this study is that
sustaining a brain injury.
the experiences of those affected
“We often hear people tell us that their husband or wife is not the person they married, or that the person they knew didn’t really return from the hospital.
understandably struggle to accept the new person they have become, others change
positively by
embrace
the
celebrating
the
Relationships
are unique and, while some will
anniversary of their injury as a ‘second birthday’. “Coming to terms with the fact that you have not only lost the life you once led, but also the person you once were must be unimaginably difficult.” “People often associate brain injury with impacting cognitive or physical skills,
“This shows that with the right help and support, there can be life after brain injury.” The report has been issued as part of the charity’s new campaign entitled 71
A New Me, which aims to give a voice to
reincarnation of the real me. I do feel
those affected by brain injury in order to
like a new person.
highlight the hidden effects of brain injury.
before, and feel the injury has given me
For further information or to download the full report, visit
‘The ‘New Me’ is a reincarnation of the real me. I do feel like a new person.’ The first few months following Darren Wyn Jones’ brain haemorrhage included very
dark
an opportunity for a life review. “I take much better care of myself and
www.ANewMe.org.uk.
some
“I feel a lot less stressed than ever
and
challenging
moments. His marriage broke down, he had to relinquish many aspects of the job he loved and was even forced to sell his home. But now, just 15 months later, he feels remarkably upbeat about his future.
I’ve slowed down my pace. I’m much more compassionate to myself and I reflect on what’s meaningful to me now. “My brother thinks that my brain has re -wired itself differently, in a positive way, whereby I have developed more patience, more confidence and even more intelligence!”
“I've had to learn to love a different man” Lorraine Pratt’s life was changed in an instant when she became a carer for her
He said: “I have been blessed with an
husband Kevin after he contracted the
opportunity to ‘start over again’. To me,
neurological illness encephalitis in 2003.
I genuinely feel the ‘new me’ is a
Before his brain injury, Kevin was a 72
confident, family-oriented sportsman.
Kevin in my life and that's what I
But
want."
after
he
c o nt r a c t e d
viral
encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
About A New Me
he could no longer walk or talk. Lorraine said: “I've had to learn to love a different man. There's an awful lot of Kevin still there but there are big chunks missing.
A New Me is designed to give a voice to people affected by brain injury – individuals living with brain injury, as well as family members/carers – in order to raise awareness of how lives and futures can change in an
he also knows he's got me, he's got the
instant.
children, so he knows he's very much loved and supported within the family unit and I think that's important.
A brain injury can challenge every aspect of you, including your very personality and what makes you.
Relationships
“He knows things aren't the same. But
“He had terrible depression in the beginning and very dark moods. It's changed him, it's changed me and it's changed us as a family unit. I'm mellower. I've had to be mum, dad, counsellor and stand up for Kevin, having to put myself and my needs to one side.
After suffering a brain injury, many people feel like a new person and their personality may be severely altered. This change of identity and personality can have a massive effect on them, and their loved ones, as they come to terms with the ‘new’ person they have become.
"It's not easy and it's not necessarily the life I would have chosen but I have 73
survivors and their stories from 11 countries – and growing! On our website survivors are able to share their unique experiences in brain injury recovery, photos, and read of others at the same time. Each survivor story provides hope
“Family – Tree”
and inspiration
for others
– and
The message “Not Alone” in the world of
representing the message “Not Alone”.
those touched by brain injury, can have
We are a family there for each other and
much more meaning than just words.
thankful for each and every survivor
The bitter-sweet is in the vast number of
who joins us – we share and we grow for
people
each other.
touched
with
brain
injury
needing these two words, and the incredible ability to bring hope and and
Many TBI One Love Family Tree
connecting with others touched by brain
members have their own non-profit
injury.
brain injury support organizations or
support
in
understanding
information on what was/is helpful for their journey, which also may give more The TBI One Love “Family Tree – Roots”
support or connection for others. Family
is a perfect example of the power of
Tree members have also been featured
Hope through connection with others
on TBI One Love Radio as special guests
and the sharing of unique journeys as
and also recognized in the recent “Share
brain injury survivors. TBI One Love
the Love” Mindful March campaign for
currently hosts over 250 brain injury
2017. 74
TBI
One
organization
Love
is
devoted
a to
non-profit providing
information, connection, and support through a positive and inspirational forum. Any survivor stories are welcome and we invite YOU to join the TBI One Love Family Tree!
https://www.facebook.com/ STLtbionelove/?ref=br_rs http://www.tbionelove.com/ family-tree-rooots
Together we can
make a difference and Share the Love for others touched by brain injury.
http:// www.blogtalkradio.com/ braininjuryradio
Relationships
A few members:
https://www.facebook.com/ TBIOneLoveJJ
75
and core strength and general well
RDA Riding for the
being. Also for people who are new to
Disabled Association The RDA is a riding school for disabled riders and is great for people to start riding there after a serious injury to use as a stepping stone to get them back slowly and safely to horse riding and need somewhere to start back in a
horses and exploring a new interest. They hold horse care sessions, carriage driving lessons the RDA also give the opportunity to compete at shows club level.
And
for
the
more
serious
competitor you can start if eligible under RDA Gradings become a PARA Rider
horses
which is graded 1 being severe disability
specifically trained for people with a
to 4 being slight disability impairment
relaxed
wide
environment
range
requirements
of
disabilities
Eg.
musculoskeletal
on
and
Brain
injuries,
,sensory
/balance
and get to compete at National and international competitions in Dressage and carriage driving and Para show
impairments and learning disabilities
jumping.
etc.
Local RDA centres give people an
They cater for people in wheelchairs and have a hoist to assist them onto the horse. They also have taller /wider
opportunity to become volunteers with the horses and also in the shop, cafĂŠ fundraising events etc. They also cater
mounting blocks for riders to mount /
for able bodied riders and give lessons as
dismount for people who have limited
this helps them bring in extra money for
mobility.
the centre.
Riding even for therapy purposes is
Jessica Norbury, UK, TBI Survivor
great for brain function, co-ordination 76
Book Review The Greatest Dot to Dot Classic Series by David Kalvitis Dot to Dot
have any pre-drawn lines so it’s not immediately recognizable. The book is well laid out and even explains the techniques to complete them
as
well as
a
little
bit
of
background. I tried it and found that it’s quite relaxing as all that is required is the ability to count and draw straight lines. It also helps with concentration. It’s for kids. Well not strictly true. There
Some sites that have printable Dot to
are many out there. They range from the
Dot:
ones that have very few dots to connect
www.allkidsnetwork.com/dot-to-dot/
as most of the image is already there, to
www.activityvillage.co.uk/dot-to-dots
the more advanced ones that just have the numbered dots. My wife Laura got me a dot to dot book which starts off quite easy (for normal
http://harddottodots.com/ https://monkeyingaround.com/ We give this book a ★★★★ rating
brains!) and gets more difficult the further in you get. The images don’t
Author, Phil Smith, UK, TBI Survivor 77
Movie Review I, Daniel Blake up and how easy it is to get ‘caught
up in red tape’. This movie outlines how someone's life can change overnight through illness / accident and turn from independent to finally deepening on the state. This highlights the real need for a ‘case
manager’ who can assist you through the process and how best to complete This is an interesting and entreating
forms.
film in which you experience nearly every emotion that a human is capable of. Anyone who has tried to negotiate the benefits system in the UK will draw parallels with how treacherous these
Anyone who is travelled down this road will identify with this film and I expect that it is similar in other countries as well.
waters can be. When you layer a long term medical condition on top of this the film
clearly
de m o nst r a t e s
ho w
We give this movie a ★★★★ rating
frustration and anger can quickly build 78
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