Challenges after a brain injury – and how I overcame them

Published: 15/10/2018

Seven years ago I had a head injury when I was hit by a car while I was on my bike.
I suffered a bleed on my brain, was in a coma and in time I learnt to walk again, had occupational therapy and I still have speech therapy now.

Three things I found particularly hard after my head injury were:

1. Memory skills – remembering what to do and who people were when I met them. I found it really hard to pass exams in Year 11 as my memory was terrible.
2. Organising – I found day-to-day tasks and shopping hard. It was hard to remember what I needed and where I needed to be (this ties in with memory issues).
3. Budgeting – I find it hard deciding what I do and don’t need, and what is a necessity. I also find it tricky organising money and making sure payments are made on the right date and time.

To overcome these challenges I found several things helped. These include:

1. Writing lists – I write shopping lists so I don’t forget, and to remind me what I’m doing and when. I can refer to them and make sure I know what is going on. I write lists on my phone and on paper – which one I use depends on the situation and where/when I’m doing it.
2. Revision cards – I used to write things down on revision cards so I could refer back to them later.
3. Help from others – my girlfriend Hayley and other people help me with money and working out what I want and what I need.
4. Apps – I use apps on my phone like calendar and notes so I know what I’m doing and what to buy etc.

Life became easier after I learnt the skills and tips. They helped me to overcome the issues that the injury caused.

Joe received help from the Brain Injury Community Service at The Children's Trust.