TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY -- AND SEPTEMBER
11, 2001
Like all New Yorkers, Americans and individuals throughout
the world, I was deeply moved by the events of the tragic morning of September
11th. I reflect back to my initial reaction, behavior and the
subsequent time period. There are many similarities to TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.
My first thought was that it was an accident. This could
never happen in our country. A BRAIN INJURY IS SIMILAR. It could never happen to
a family member or me.
I thought I could cope with it by going about my normal
routine. A BRAIN INJURY IS SIMILAR. At the beginning, you behave as if
everything is "normal or in time will get to normal". You quickly
discover life is changed forever.
You may be angry with our government who you believe could
have done something to prevent it. A BRAIN INJURY IS SIMILAR. You may be angry
with yourself or others who you hold responsible.
You may be in a fog state. A BRAIN INJURY IS SIMILAR. When
the trauma first occurs you may be in a fog and not fully comprehend the
ramifications.
It is very easy to scapegoat a particular group ethnic or
religious and lump all of them together. A BRAIN INJURY IS SIMILAR. Sometimes
the outside world lumps all brain-injured people together and does not treat
them as individuals.
You may feel sad and state of morning. A BRAIN INJURY IS
SIMILAR. Indeed, we are in a state of mourning. In both cases our perception of
a safe and fair world has died.
You try to escape by going to dinner, movies, sporting
events or any pleasurable activity. However, you find it difficult to block out
the tragic event. A BRAIN INJURY IS SIMILAR. There is no escaping a brain
injury.
You want to do something, but feel unsure and helpless. A
BRAIN INJURY IS SIMILAR. Many individuals who want to help do not how they are
of assistance.
American citizens now have reevaluated some of the
freedoms we cherish. A BRAIN INJURY IS SIMILAR. After sustaining a brain injury,
you may be forced to rely on other people or devices. Some traumatic brain
injured survivors view this as a loss of freedom.
Our country is in the process of assessing our entire
security and intelligence system. The primary goal is safety. A BRAIN INJURY IS
SIMILAR. The priority for TBI survivors is safety.
It will take us much longer to enter airplanes, tunnels,
bridges, sporting events,
concerts, etc. A BRAIN INJURY IS SIMILAR. You may need to
allow more time to compensate for loss of speed.
Many individuals are now living in fear of the other shoe
dropping. A BRAIN INJURY IS SIMILAR. Some brain injury survivors are more
susceptible to another brain injury.
September 11 affected many individuals, families and
countries. A BRAIN INJURY IS SIMILAR. A brain injury is truly a family affair.
Many individuals turned to religion after tragedy.
Speaking for myself, I found it comforting to go to temple. A BRAIN INJURY IS
SIMILAR. Many individuals turn to religion for comfort and support.
It will be awkward and take time to get accustomed to the
changes. A BRAIN INJURY IS SIMILAR. It takes time, conscious thought and
practice to make the required changes.
While the above may sound depressing, there are some
bright spots. I have never seen American citizens so united and functioning as
one. For the first time, our politicians are not engaged in pushing a partisan
agenda. Their focus is the well being of all citizens.
A BRAIN INJURY IS SIMILAR. IF YOU LOOK HARD YOU CAN FIND
SOME BRIGHT SPOTS!
Kathy Greenberg, Ph.D.
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