Brain Injury Support Groups can help individuals with brain injury and their loved ones cope and increase their knowledge about brain injury issues. However, the services for people with Traumatic Brain Injury in rural Monterey County were very limited, not to mention there were no support groups in Spanish. Therefore over a year ago, a new emerging Spanish Support group was formed thanks in part to a grant received by the Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL).

"We currently have about 8 active members in our support group Volver a Empezar (Starting Over)" mentioned Esmeralda Munoz, Independent Living Specialist with Central Coast Center for Independent Living.

A Brain Injury can occur in many different ways, such as in a motor vehicle accident, falls, sports injury, and physical violence. Traumatic brain injury occurs when an injury to the exterior of the head is strong enough to cause damage to the brain. "Many times people may not realize they sustained a Brain Injury until they begin to read and answer some of the following questions and then it begins to be much clearer. Do you have more headaches since the injury or accident? Does your memory seem worse following the accident or injury? Does the fatigue get worse the more you think or in very emotional situations? Are you more easily irritated or angered?" mentioned Mrs. Munoz.

Recovery process can be lifelong
In many cases recovery becomes a lifelong process of adjustments and accommodations for the individual and the family. Such was the case with Mr. Ceja. He sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury and has not been able to return to work for over two years. "It is very difficult to try to cope with the changes, I am unable to drive, cannot walk without the use of my cane given I feel dizzy all the time, constant headaches, memory problems." He has been able to share some of his experiences at the support group and feels it has helped him.

Members of the support group have gradually seen a positive change in their lives. Some mentioned the appreciation they have for having a place where they can express their fears, joys and emotions without feeling isolated. Others have helped recruit more members and now it is a sense of family. On a monthly basis the support group meets to not only share their stories, but it is a safety net for each and every one of the members.

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