Honoring National Brain Injury Awareness Month: The Hidden Grief of Brain Injury

March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the causes of brain injuries, eliminate the stigma surrounding them, and advocate for better support and understanding. Brain injuries are often invisible, yet their impact is profound—changing lives in ways that many do not see or fully grasp. While awareness is key, we must also talk about grief—the deep and often overlooked sorrow that comes with losing parts of oneself after a brain injury.

Brain Injury & the Grief of Losing Oneself

We often associate grief with the loss of a loved one, but grief can also manifest in response to a life-changing event—like a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Those who suffer from brain injuries may grieve the loss of their independence, cognitive abilities, social life, physical health, and even their sense of self. This grief is real and significant, yet it is frequently misunderstood or dismissed.

One brain injury survivor shared, “Even ten years on, I struggle knowing my life isn’t the same. Grieving for the loss of self and the person you were is a very difficult and personal journey.”

Many survivors are told to “accept” their new reality, but rarely are they given guidance on how to grieve the past version of themselves while embracing their new journey.

My Personal Journey with Concussion Recovery

In September, just days before the Vigil Remembering Those Lost to Suicide, I suffered a concussion. The days and months that followed were incredibly difficult. I struggled with memory loss, dizziness, nausea, extreme fatigue, unsteadiness, and an overwhelming sense of detachment from myself. Even the simplest tasks—riding in a car, looking at a screen, or walking steadily were difficult and became exhausting challenges.

As the months went on, the emotional toll became heavier. I grieved the loss of my independence, my ability to work, missed vacations, and social activities. In December, I feared I would never return to my normal self. Would I ever feel like “me” again?

Healing has been slow, but I’ve made progress. I’ve had to learn patience, balance, and the importance of self-care—things that, admittedly, have never come easy to me. I’m still rebuilding, still navigating this journey, but I’ve come to understand that healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too.

Understanding the Layers of Brain Injury Grief

Brain injury grief is often confused with other conditions like Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While all three may share similar symptoms, grief over the loss of self is unique. It is a mourning process that needs to be acknowledged and addressed.

Phases of Grief After a Brain Injury:

• Denial: Believing that everything is still the same, despite clear changes.

• Anger: Feeling frustration over lost abilities and limitations.

• Bargaining: Hoping for a return to normalcy through effort or treatment.

• Disorganization: Struggling to make sense of the new reality.

• Despair & Depression: Losing hope, experiencing sadness, isolation, or fear.

• Acceptance & Adaptation: Acknowledging the new self and finding meaning in the journey forward.

In the first few days after my concussion, even though I knew I was injured, I was in denial that it was anything serious. I convinced myself I’d bounce back quickly. That first week, I wrestled with the reality of it, eventually, I accepted the changes—I took time off work, stopped exercising, went to all my therapies, and prioritized rest and self-care. I even found peace in believing that God had a purpose in this. I did everything I was supposed to, hoping I would heal quickly and return to my normal self.

Then the sadness and depression crept in. As the weeks passed and I was still symptomatic, I grieved the things I could no longer do. My brain struggled to heal, and every time I felt a little better, I’d push too hard—only to crash again. The cycle was exhausting. I lost my rhythm of self-care, my sense of purpose, and at times, my hope that I would ever feel like myself again.

Today, I continue to heal, but it’s still a challenge. I’m working to rebuild my stamina, keep up with therapies, and manage daily responsibilities while honoring my limits. Some days feel like progress, while others remind me how much further I have to go. I’m learning to accept that healing isn’t linear—it’s a process of patience, self-compassion, and trust.

Moving Forward: How to Cope & Heal

For those navigating brain injury grief, healing takes time, patience, and support. Here are a few steps that have helped me and may help you or a loved one:

• Acknowledge and honor your grief – Your feelings are valid. Grieve the person you were while making space for the person you are becoming.

• Seek professional support – Find therapists or specialists who understand brain injuries and grief.

• Connect with support groups – You are not alone. Groups like the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) offer virtual and in-person support.

• Practice self-care and pacing – Recovery isn’t linear. Listen to your body and allow yourself to heal at your own pace.

• Reframe your identity – Instead of seeing yourself as a diminished version of who you were, embrace your strength, resilience, and growth.

You Are Not Alone

The road to recovery is often long and uncertain, but there is hope. If you are struggling with brain injury grief, please know that your feelings are real, your pain is understood, and you are not alone. Healing happens piece by piece, day by day. Be gentle with yourself, seek support, and trust that with time, you will find your way forward.

Mending Moment

🎥 Introducing the Grief 101 Video Series 💚

Grief is complex, personal, and often overwhelming—but understanding it can help us navigate the journey. Our Grief 101 series on YouTube and Spotify breaks down the emotions, challenges, and realities of grief, offering support and insight along the way. So far, we’ve explored What is Grief?, Why Does Grief Hurt So Much?, and 10 Powerful Emotions of Grief: What’s Normal? New videos premiere every Tuesday, with upcoming topics including Grief Explained: The Ball in the Box Analogy (March 4th) and Does Grief Ever End? Understanding Your Journey to wrap up the series. Be sure to subscribe for more weekly content on grief and trauma, helping you find understanding, healing, and hope.

Mending Piece By Piece Podcast

Episode 8: Where is God After Losing Your Child? (Part 2 with Tasha Ives)

In Part 2 of this emotional and inspiring conversation on the Mending Piece by Piece podcast, Linda Falasco sits down with Tasha Ives to explore the deeper layers of grief, faith, and healing after the loss of Tasha’s daughter, Sydney. Tasha shares how her unwavering faith guided her through the complexities of loss, the pivotal role of counseling and communication in navigating family dynamics, and the importance of finding purpose in pain. This episode offers insights into how grief impacts relationships, parenting, and one’s sense of self, while also emphasizing the power of sharing your story to bring hope to others. Tasha’s heartfelt reflections remind us that restoration after loss is possible, but it requires effort, faith, and openness.

Episode 9: Navigating Grief: Lessons from Season Two

In this reflective episode of the Mending Piece by Piece podcast, host Linda Falasco revisits the powerful stories shared throughout season two, highlighting themes of grief, resilience, and healing. The episode features insights from guests who have navigated profound losses, including addiction, the loss of family members, and the challenges of grief at a young age. Linda emphasizes the importance of community support and the various ways individuals can honor their loved ones while finding strength in their journeys. The conversation serves as a reminder that grief is a shared experience and that hope can be found even in the darkest times.

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If you’ve found comfort, inspiration, or support through our podcast and newsletter, consider helping us continue this important work by shopping at Mending Piece by Piece Store or make a one-time donation here Buy Me a Coffee. You can find meaningful items such as t-shirts, mugs, blankets, tote bags, and more at the Mending Piece by Piece Store, where—each designed to raise awareness for mental health and grief. Whether you're looking for a comforting gift or something to keep for yourself, every purchase helps support the Mending Piece by Piece Podcast and newsletter, allowing us to continue sharing stories, resources, and support for those navigating grief.

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Take a moment to browse the store and find something that speaks to you, knowing that every purchase is helping to create a space for healing, hope, and awareness. Your support goes a long way in allowing us to produce meaningful content, host guests who share their powerful stories, and create a compassionate space for those navigating grief. With your help, we can continue to offer hope and healing to those who need it most. Thank you for being a part of our community and helping us make a difference—one step at a time.