What to Say to Someone With a Brain Injury in Atlanta

Riah Greathouse, Esq.Riah Greathouse, Esq. · March 27, 2018

Everyone knows how tough brain injuries are on their victims, and it’s really important that we extend our nicest regards to our friends and family members who do suffer from brain injuries, because when it comes down to it they do really need our support.

No brain injury is the same, and so it’s important to be casual and thoughtful of the person you’re speaking to when you tell them some of the things we are about to share with you that many brain injury victims have said they like hearing. Some of the common symptoms that occur from brain injuries are rather emotional, and these can include depression, anxiety, fear and anger. This can also include some other symptoms that can include physical pain, memory loss, and a somewhat difficult time in terms of maintaining friendships and other relationships.

We all need some amount of sympathy, but those with brain injuries are in such a difficult headspace and it can go a really long way just by reaching out and saying any of the following statements brain injury victims tend to like to hear.

I’m sorry. How can I help?

This one is so simple and yet so effective. You’re telling them you understand the injury is there and that it’s affecting them and you are willing to do what it takes to make them feel better.

Please tell me what it’s like to have a brain injury. Where can I read more about brain injuries?

People with brain injuries naturally like it when those closest to them know about brain injuries and are supportive, so you’re definitely on the right track here at this article!

I don’t fully know how you’re feeling, but you are my friend and I’m always going to be here for you.

This statement is altruism at its finest, and it explains how you acknowledge your own lack of awareness when it comes to really feeling like the brain injured person feels. That type of honesty goes a long way with anyone, especially those who truly know they feel different than most people on a regular basis. This statement is also a genuine reassurance that no matter what happens you’ll be there to give your support.

I admire your willpower, and I know you will get through this.

People with brain injuries need to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it can be difficult to stay optimistic with these kinds of injuries. That’s why this statement is so powerful, because you are giving inspiration to the injured person to know that they won’t always feel like they do now and that the future ahead is bright!

Take your time. We aren’t in any kind of hurry.

Many brain injured people have trouble when they start to get stressed out or feel rushed with just about anything because those are the moments in which the brain starts thinking at a fast frequency, which can be painful for them. Saying something like this will give your friend or loved one the moment to take a deep breath and just relax, because that’s really the state of mind they need to stay in.

The you that is YOU has not changed at all. You’re just having a little harder time thinking than you used to.

This one is great, and it really hits home what it means to be supportive of those with brain injuries. Sometimes people feel like they’ve been changed forever because of their injury, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. This statement gives people the reassurance that they are who they’ve always been, and that what they’re going through is simply temporary.

It’s important to remember that you probably shouldn’t just blurt out any of these statements randomly and use them only when they’re fully appropriate given the circumstances of your conversations. That way they’ll come off even more powerful and your friend or loved one will know that you mean what you say and that nothing has been contrived!

Riah Greathouse, Esq.
Written by

Riah Greathouse, Esq.

Founder & Trial Attorney, Greathouse Trial Law

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