The Invisible Struggle: Living with a Brain Injury

The Invisible Struggle: Living with a Brain Injury

I wake up every morning, and to the outside world, I look fine. But the truth is, I'm fighting a battle that nobody can see. My brain injury is invisible, but the struggles it brings are very real.

The Stroke

I had been sick, a new onset of yet undiagnosed ulcerative colitis. Then I got the “flu”, it was February of 2020, just before everything shut down for covid. The best guess the doctors have is that my body went into a hyper inflammatory state causing a massive hemorrhagic stroke on the right side of my brain. My brain was severely injured, and my life was forever changed. The road to recovery was long and difficult, but I was determined to get back to normal. But "normal" is a relative term.

The Invisible Struggle

My brain injury left me not just with physical disabilities but also with invisible disabilities that affect every aspect of my life. Memory loss, cognitive fatigue, mood swings, and chronic pain are just a few of the challenges I face daily. LIfe became about finding a new normal.

The Frustration

People often say, "You look fine" or "You're so lucky it wasn't worse." But they don't see the exhaustion, the frustration, and the tears. They don't see the effort it takes to get out of bed, to focus, to remember.

The Isolation

I've withdrawn from social events, afraid of being overwhelmed or struggling to keep up. I've lost friends who don't understand why I'm "not the same." I feel like I'm living in a world that's moving too fast, and I'm stuck in slow motion.

The Guilt

I feel guilty for not being able to do the things I used to do. Guilty for needing help. Guilty for not being the person I once was.

The Resilience

But I'm learning to adapt. I'm finding new ways to cope, to compensate, and to thrive. I'm learning to ask for help, to prioritize self-care, and to embrace my new normal.

The Awareness

I want to raise awareness about invisible disabilities like brain injury. I want people to understand that just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it's not real.

The Support

If you're struggling with an invisible disability, know that you're not alone. Seek support, seek help, and don't give up. And if you know someone who's struggling, be patient, be understanding, and be supportive.

The Hope

My brain injury has taken a lot from me, but it's also given me a new perspective. I've learned to appreciate the little things, to cherish the moments, and to find joy in the journey.

Don't assume someone is fine just because they look it. Ask, listen, and support. You never know what someone might be struggling with.