Mind your mind: caring for those with brain injuries

Did you know approximately 1.5 million people in Canada are living with a brain injury?

The impact of brain injuries are widely felt by the survivor, their families, caregivers and their communities.

While there are varying degrees of brain injuries and recovery rates, majority of individuals with these injuries require some amount of caregiver assistance. Caregivers provide huge support systems for their family members, clients and friends who are suffering from the effects after brain injuries.

Are you a caregiver for someone with a brain injury? Here is a roundup of resources to help you support yourself and the person you care for:

• 8 Tools for Self-Care – Family Caregiver Alliance
• Managing irritability and temper following a brain injury – UAB School of Medicine
• Tips for dealing with stress – Model Systems Knowledge Translation Centre
• Post-Traumatic Stress for Caregivers – Psychology Today

It’s important to remember to take care of yourself and stay healthy while caring for those you love. Stress, fatigue and burnout are common symptoms for caregivers and to help minimize the risk of these you must take some time to practice self-care.