Beyond a Brain Injury

Children's Health Queensland

Beyond a Brain Injury brings together a Queensland family and clinicians from the Queensland Children’s Hospital to explore the impact of acquired brain injury (ABI) on the mental health and wellbeing of children, parents and siblings.

Episodes

  1. Oct 19

    Episode 2: Finding a new normal

    Leaving hospital can be an important milestone after an acquired brain injury (ABI), but coming home can bring a new set of challenges for children, young people and their families. Without the routines and support of hospital around you, families begin adjusting to changes in everyday life, relationships, school and expectations for recovery. Emotions and mental health can fluctuate over time as everyone begins to process what has happened. In episode 2 of Beyond a Brain Injury: Talking Mental Health and ABI, the Clayton family discuss their experience leaving hospital after Sophie’s stroke and the mental health challenges they encountered adapting to their ‘new normal’. You’ll also hear from advanced social worker, Alana English and neuropsychologist, Dr Valda Biezaitis as they discuss what life after hospital can look like and practical advice for supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the whole family. The episode explores: adjusting to life at home after an ABIunderstanding that recovery is not always lineargrief and loss as a child grows and circumstances changesupporting a child or young person’s mental healthchanges to family roles and relationshipsthe experiences and strengths of siblingsnavigating school, community and other supports. Episode resources If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental wellbeing, support is available. In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000). The following services can provide help and counselling to you in non-emergency situations. 13HEALTH, call 13 43 25 84 and talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Produced with funding thanks to the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ).

    Episode 2: Finding a new normal
  2. Oct 19

    Episode 1: When everything changes

    When a child or young person experiences an acquired brain injury (ABI), life can change very quickly. Alongside the physical impacts of the injury, children, young people and their families can experience a range of emotions including shock, grief, fear and uncertainty. Welcome to the first episode of Beyond a Brain Injury: Talking Mental Health and ABI, where we’ll explore the mental health and wellbeing impacts of ABI in the early days following an injury or diagnosis. We hear from the Clayton family as they discuss their lived experienced after their daughter Sophie suffered a stroke when she was four years old. You’ll also hear from advanced social worker, Alana English and neuropsychologist, Dr Valda Biezaitis as they detail what families may experience during this time, why there is no ‘right’ way to respond, and practical ways parents and carers can support their child, themselves and other members of the family. The episode explores: common emotional and mental health responses following an ABIgrief, loss and adjusting to unexpected changesupporting siblings and the wider familylooking after yourself as a parent or carerfinding hope while navigating uncertainty. Episode resources If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental wellbeing, support is available. In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000). The following services can provide help and counselling to you in non-emergency situations. 13HEALTH, call 13 43 25 84 and talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Produced with funding thanks to the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ).

    Episode 1: When everything changes

About

Beyond a Brain Injury brings together a Queensland family and clinicians from the Queensland Children’s Hospital to explore the impact of acquired brain injury (ABI) on the mental health and wellbeing of children, parents and siblings.

You Might Also Like