Almost 40% of U.S. adults have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA). That’s almost 140 million people in the United States. If you’re one of them, know you’re not alone in dealing with the physical and mental effects of a brain injury. If you are hesitant to seek treatment, you’re not alone in that, either. In one study, not even half of patients with a mild TBI (mTBI, also referred to as a concussion) had received follow-up care three months after the injury. You might feel like you “should be better by now,” face challenges accessing treatment (including issues driving or a language barrier) or be concerned that seeking treatment will make you feel like you’re reliving the injury. That’s why trauma-informed care is vital after a TBI.
What is trauma-informed care?
Trauma-informed care (TIC) centers around you, the patient. It focuses on building a sense of safety and trust. TIC recognizes that you have been through a traumatic experience and works with you to avoid re-traumatizing you as you engage in treatment following TBI. SAMSHA1 defines the principles of TIC as follows:
- Making sure that you and your team feel physically and mentally safe.
- Providing support from your peers and “mutual self-help” to establish a sense of safety and hope, build trust, enhance collaboration and use lived experience as a tool for recovery and healing.
- Conducting organizational decisions with the aim of building and keeping trust with you, your fellow patients and staff.
- Ensuring collaboration and partnership while leveling power imbalances between patients and teams.
- Fostering a belief in the primacy of the patients served.
Why is TIC important after a TBI?
There are a lot of reasons why TIC is especially relevant and helpful if you’ve had a TBI. Brain injuries usually stem from a stressful and scary event, whether it’s a fall, a sports injury, a car accident or, especially, violence. They can affect you in many ways, both physically and mentally, creating barriers to getting the care you need. Physically, symptoms such as vision issues, headaches and dizziness might make it difficult for you to make appointments. Mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, may also interfere with your ability to start and complete treatment, as can a fear of driving if your TBI was caused by an accident.
Because TIC focuses on meeting you where you are, you can expect a personalized approach that considers your unique needs. For example, if you would prefer not to detail what happened around your injury, your team can modulate their questions to avoid a triggering experience. If you’re dealing with a language barrier, they can help you find providers who speak your preferred language. If you are concerned about the pace of your recovery, your team can help you be patient and heal at your own pace.
What can you expect from TIC for a TBI?
At the Center for PCS and PTSD, your care will begin with an evaluation via a secure, HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing platform from the comfort of your own home. Then, you will receive a personalized treatment plan for any mental or physical issues you are looking to address. That can include psychotherapy, cognitive rehabilitation, concussion management and medication management. All of these are tools to help you heal, regardless of the cause of your TBI and how long it may have been since the injury. Ready to take the first step? Schedule your appointment HERE.
Image Source: Pexels (Vitaly Gariev)
