This is so life changing its sooo hard to deal with this nobody understands

I'm 30 years in. Auto accident. I still live on an emotional roller coaster. Depression, anxiety, self-doubt, fatigue, no sleep, pain, ... The vagus nerve is something anyone with a brain injury might want to study. I was thrown and got severe whiplash and I think my vagus nerve was damaged, along with a TBI. I miss doing artwork. Don't give up.

Brandon, you seem like a terrific human being, and you have my empathy and best wishes. I was injured at age 7. And Michelle, keep on. You're a brave lady.

Brandon seems like such an awesome guy. He gets sad, but it's for other people, not about himself. Shows how much of a good character he seems to be! Glad he could share

Got hit in the head by my ex and left for 3 days... I had a fractured skull and have been bleeding for 3 months still. Nobody understands my thoughts and I know no one who’s had a tbi. Just concussions. Thank you for this video it helped so much. I’m now epileptic and struggle still with alcohol addiction. I’m more hopeful after watching this

I sustained my TBI in 2008 at the age of 18. I deal with depression often. I used to love riding bmx still love it even though I'm not as good as I was at it. I play bass guitar as well have one problem with that I start learning a longer song but I never finish learning it. In highschool I was more out going and talked to allot of people, I have the same friends I've had my whole life well most of them. Now I have anxiety which before I didn't really give a fuck about much other than my bike. That hasn't changed I still love my bike. Even though living in Michigan I can't ride it all year besides skate parks which I have to get a ride to because I can't drive so I don't go often. I've always been an angry little bastard it just seems worse now. I have like 2 moods bummed out or pissed off occasionally in a good mood. Watching videos like this make me feel not as alone.

I’m going through this. It’s been 11months since my accident. I get so frustrated with my lack of motivation and exhaustion. Head just goes hazy trying to lateral think. Unless you experience tbi it’s hard to comprehend. I’ve gained so much weight.

It's like becoming a whole new person.

Amazing story. I had a brain injury from rock climbing a year and a half ago and have been dealing with crippling anxiety and depression ever since. It happened at an awful age of 18, so transitioning from a kid to an adult was incredibly difficult. It’s gotten better but I went to a lot of doctors and have been on a lot of medication to help regulate it in some fashion. Now, I’m still going to physical therapy and still talking to a physiologist/counselor on a regular basis because I can’t manage things in my life like I used to. I’ve lost a lot of friends and my whole life has changed, plans have completely collapsed right in front of me and I’m trying so hard to take my life back and get back into the swing of things but I always feel ‘off.’ I’m hoping that something in my head will click and I can go back to being carefree and passionate about things again

My husband has a TBI from a work accident March of 2019. He has lost his job and developed Epilepsy. It’s been hell but he is doing his best.

I have TBI, but I didn't have time to heal correctly.....as we all know it takes a long time. I had to live in a stressful environment....I could remember faces but not a lot more....so I felt scared all the time....I was constantly pressured and treated badly in so many ways....basically I couldnt leave, as i couldnt think correctly....but i was forced back to work or i had no food....so i remember i looked bad....(that's probably an understatement) as i was working as a waitress before my accident....I returned to work after 3 months.....my face took the first blow as it hit the pavement falling from a horse spooked by a vicious dog....the horse was flying down a hill towards a semi truck...I was gonna die if I didn't get off the horse....so I tried to throw myself off but the saddle was just polished and the horse was at full gallop.....I slipped and landed headfirst into the pavement..throwing my head backwards breaking my neck...flipping my body backwards hitting the back of my head and sending me into a flipping motion that landed me face first on the pavement.....fracturing my forehead into 3 pieces shattering my upper forehead....breaking my nose fracturing my right eye socke and eye damage to my prism as I cannot focus on things moving fast in front of me(like on a computer or computer games, or a movie were things are rushing past....it makes me physically sick)....damaging my right ear....crushing the right side of my face and cracking my chin.....the damage to my forehead crushed my right frontal lobe....so it doesn't work...I can hear less out of my right ear and sometimes I have a hard time with hearing the volume I'm speaking in. I have a hard time with loud or sharp noises instant migraines....anyway, I was literally called a monster by a woman as I asked for her order.....she said I looked hideous. ....I remember being hurt by this but not knowing how to react as I felt like I was in a dream like state.....not quite me...not really sure what my emotions were doing.....but when I got home I looked into a mirror and realized the whites of my eyes were red....as I had bleed into my eyes from the force of the impact...this actually took 6 months to return to normal...the doctors sent me home with a broken neck so I was working with a broken neck, broken body.....living in an unstable enviroment... .no therapy,no correct medical help....I'm lucky I wasn't paralized.....the accident damaged and crushed 3 vertebrae in my neck, one in the middle of my back impinging on nerves and one fully crushed into 3 pieces that were floating around my spinal cord....they ended up dissolving . But before they did (as it took years).. they would hit my cord and it would feel like a knife being jabbed into my back...I couldnt breath when this happened, the pain was so sharp. But people are just so understanding......so yes I get what your going through.....I'm glad you have a great support system.....its important....i never had any therapy I was 21 and finally received therapy at 38 years old....I kept everything inside. Nobody ever wants to hear about your pain...finally my body had enough and I developed fibromyalgia and arthritis. ....they found my right hip was fractured and I have tendonitis, bursitis and when I received treatment for the fibro pain...they gave me gabapentin and another medication that ripped my stomach apart making me bleed inside.....so I said no more to medication after 3 years of side effects.....I was 40....I am fully disabled now.....and my brain just tells me to work everyday still...I cannot rest properly because I had to work so hard through my life.....for me I don't think I will ever truly heal....I don't think people will ever give me peace..they say because my injuries don't show, that they don't believe my pain....took me 6 years just to get my memories back.......even longer to remember fully...still have random memories hit me....my emotions can run high or really low....so be kind to yourself....remember it takes years and years to heal....peace be with you.🙂

This will save my life.

While the consequences of brain injury manifest in a manner that resembles Depression, it's much more accurate to describe this condition as Aparthy & Executive Dysfunction.

Thank you! I needed this today. Was in crisis and having a really hard time. My TBI was because of an attack of sorts. So I have PTSD with it and it's really hard to reach out for help when I don't like being around people and have serious trust issues. My husband is taking me to get help. I know I can trust him so I'm really trying. Never give up!

It’s a constant up n down battle ur never happy

You just get so tired of it all. Spending time you wish you didn't survive. It's so fucking hard. Cycling through relationships and jobs with a massive lack of understanding. You don't want to be this way but you can't help it.

This is an amazing story about Brandon. Wow. Just so honest. It’s heartbreaking to spiral into such a dark depression. And to see that you’re able to continue to find pleasure creating music is beautiful. I’m doing a DocuSeries on Michael Hutchence who had endured a TBI in 1992 which he kept a secret. In 1997 Michael took his own life after years of trying to to deal with depression, addiction, loss of taste and smell as well as his “normal” life stressors as a Rock Star.TBI Awareness is so important!! I’m going to share this story with my channel. This can possibly save a life by seeing there is hope and treatment is available Ty for being so open and honest!💚

I've had one near-fatal car accident, followed by losing someone close to me in a fatal car accident and finally to another car accident 6 years after. It definitely leaves you feeling lonely and not enough people talk about it.

Very violent Unhappy Evil Memory issues Mental issues Etc

I need anybody here without a brain injury to understand this mans experience is the equivalent to winning the lottery. Very few of us dont get fully abandoned. 52% of homeless people have brain injury. Thats just how it is.

Whoa.... I remember editing Brandon’s interviews (I used to volunteer at Brain Line) years ago.

I feel it man. I feel it too.

If you are reading this..... you are amazing for being here trying to learn and understand things others know nothing about (:

Thank you Brandon for sharing your story. Thank you also to Michelle for your part as well. Your life changes ever so much after you have an ABI, TBI and any trauma to your brain. Our brains are not able to cope with and injury and then heal back to what it was like before the trauma that it's sustained. This video has shown me there's hope for each one of us who've got/sustained a brain injury. None of us were asked to be given such a life changing experience. Much care and respect to all who have been through an awful life experience. One foot in front of another is a good way to take things and life after a brain injury 💙💜💚

We are north of Seattle. My husband had two accidents with head trauma within a one year span surrounding the time our daughter was born. He tried a few meds but won't take antidepressants (everyone we knew on antidepressants in the 90's committed suicide), he tried two counselors- one spent three sessions just having him fill out paperwork (not good for brain damaged guy!) and the other just kept ditching appointments. We tried to get together with the local TBI support group for four months and the meetings kept being cancelled. The only thing that has helped has been for both of us to turn to Jesus Christ. Reading the bible as a family and calling on Him has helped. Even though it's a daily struggle the Lord gives us peace, teaches us how to love, forgive, and be patient with ourselves and each other.

It feels very unfair. How many people have to go through this now and in times past. I really appreciate the video and the comments. I deal with this too. I wish you all the best.

I can relate. (I Live in Seattle too) I'm going on 10 months since my TBI. I'm on leave from work (fight attendant) and if I can't go back by June then I have to take the 28 day New Hire Class again and live there in Salt Lake City for that time. Who's going to take Care of my cat? I've been with my airline almost 10 years. I have so much anxiety about not being ready. I know all my drills, emergency procedures, etc. That's not the problem. It's the anxiety of performing it in my yearly training in front of everyone and I'm afraid my stutter might emerge. If it were a real evacuation or medical emergency I would be fine now. It's just a peer to peer performance pressure situation. I've been so alone in this journey and had a lot on my plate before I was injured. I have no Family near, I have 2 good friends, one in Midwest, one in Tacoma but we rarely visit as she's always flying, and my cat - who sometimes I feel is the only reason I am living. I've been through most of the physical therapies especially for stuttering (bec of tbi), and my imbalance, and I had multiple symptoms that most of you all have had. What's disappointing is TODAY is the first time I have heard of a TBI group! NONE of my doctors, or even my mental health therapist has ever mentioned it! It would've helped me immensely. I'm going to look into it. I'm so glad for some reason I, again, decided to look up TBI and anxiety today. I extensively researched TBI in the beginning months after my injury and never saw any of these documentary or testimonial type videos like this before. Thank God for following my instincts. Bless all of you who are still dealing with the effects of your TBI, it's life changing, but we have to find the pearl in the situation to move forward. Whether it makes us more compassionate, patient, tolerant of people's differences or disabilities. We have to come out better on the other side of it. ❤

Thank you for your story , my husband has a sever brain injury from a motorcycle wreck March 2021 … this helps me to help him 🙏❤️

Thank you for sharing your story Brendan 🙏🏼 I’m at the start of a journey with my beloved partner who has suffered a TBI

Thanks Brandon for sharing your story you are very inspirational I can hear you are trying to be sooo positive even though you have depression I fell off a pushbike in 2018 in Bali and had a severe tbi but in Australia I had the best rehab had the best support as you said it is an invisible injury which makes it hard and you can’t see anything as to everyone thinks I’m back to normal again they can’t see my issues with balance, fatigue, I have vertigo now and my memory long and short term are terrible, I never had depression so I have been very lucky, however I’m back at work full time it took 4 years to finally get there and I’m on Ritalin which keeps me awake and helps me concentrate so I’m going ok and feel very lucky to get a second chance at life as that’s what it is all about ❤❤❤

I had a tbi in the 80's, and didn't know about any therapy. No insurance. It's good to hear about the therapy for tbi folk. It's not like it was just a broken leg, it's long term weird!

I didn’t know this was a regular thing. I’ve always been so self conscious about my inability to hold back my emotion. I’m glad to know I’m not alone…

Thank you everyone for sharing your stories. This helps me feel less alone. And it makes me think about what I can do to get better. I'm really struggling but it's nice to know that I'm not alone. I just wish more people understood. It's nice you're spreading awareness.

I got both tbi and sci from a moped accident on my first job.not worth living anymore...

Ooh the feels!! This is an amazing video that made me feel seen feel hopeful feel like I can be helpful like I finally believe in the mysterious “light at the end of the tunnel “I heard so much about.. I can, without exaggeration, say my experience was both the best and worst experience I can imagine but I am learning everyday to acclimate myself better .. good wishes to all .. and thank you to the people involved in this video 💜💜

I’m sorry to see this. I can relate to alot of Brandons symptoms. I believe I have some TBI from 5 years of playing football from age 12-16.

Hope you doing ok still fighting dont give up keep going doing amazing things stay strong stay positive stay safe sending luck hugs love from headway Nottingham UK xxx

I hope that whoever had caused this wonderful young man all this pain, trauma, trouble, stress, & anxiety has the book thrown at them. I want them to realize the extent of damage they did to him. They better be paying for all his medical & mental health bills. (It’s the least they can do…)

I can relate. God bless you in your marriage and may the Lord bless your marriage and relationships with his peace,love,mercy,wisdom,understanding. Restoration to all things. I've suffered in the same ways. Geeez. Its horribly hard.

Please stay strong brother I can relate in some ways my friend in a disabled vet T.B.I... I was injured in 2015 I live in arizona and I want to leave this state it reminds me of afghanistan I'm lonely I haven't seen a friend in years I've lost the women I've been in love with since high school I struggle every day myself but don't give up my friend Please brother you give me encouragement my friend

On May 18th, 2020 i hit the back of my head on concrete by missing my step on the side walk, i was unconscious for like 3-4 seconds but does anyone else feel fine but they can never get the thought out of their head that they have a brain injury? The only thing i struggle with now is just the anxiety and mild depression.

TBI, I have all the down side and had zero help years ago and non now. The hobby that is my only outlet they banned me because of ??? Totally isolated and not even my boyfriend calls not wanting to talk to me. I notice all the time nobody wants to talk yet I had higher education before my TBI, it’s so hard to go on and only for my dogs I look after and feed nobody cares.

Ohhh wow yes I feel exactly the same since my TBI. Thankyou I dont feel so alone now. xxoo

I feel for you Bro, the only think that removes Depression for my TBI and gives me guidance is DMT and for insomnia Bedrocan

Hello thanks for sharing this video. I suffer from a TBI and a BPI I was in a accident at work in 2004 it’s getting older I get I tore my c5 through my T1. There isn’t a that goes by that I don’t hurt my head hurts my eyes hurt and my ears ring my balance sucks I have ticks in my speech there are days I wish it was over the depression and anxiety gets the best of me. My BPI has me paralyzed in my left arm plus I have restless legs send rem there always hurting. I feel it’s taken over my life it’s not the same as I used to be. Thanks for sharing.

REALLY NICE VIDEO, THANK YOU!!

im on the same page, had my accident April 16th 2019, i have a tbi going through the same emotions its crazy, emotions you go through

I feel that also hiatal hernia injuries are so misunderstood. They cause so many symptoms and the people around you and doctors don’t think is a big deal. Only the people who have them know that it is very devastating, your life changes. The hernia affects the vagus nerve which can cause heart irregularities. It causes GERD which triggers symptoms like acid reflux, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, bad breath, chest pain, chest pressure. Your digestive system slows down and it causes stomach pain and constipation. Many people are prescribed anti depressants because doctors think they are exaggerating their symptoms. It Changes the way you eat, sleep and even sit down, your quality of life goes down. You are in constant fight or flight mode. Worst part, the solution (medication for life/surgery) turn out to be worse than the problem. So debilitating

Proud of you x

Exercise does help I do yoga n indoor cycling 🚴‍♀️

love you brandon

People with TBI are forced to stop doing what they enjoy which is often gainful employment.

I just lay in bed . Nobody i know gets it they laugh at me . So i hide

I had Tbi when I was 2 now 22 and it affects my mental health still

This same thing happened to me. Had to get airlifted and i havent gotten help. Its hard really hard im still trying to get over body pains since 2022.

Keep going guys keep positive bless us we are survivors living with it is very hard but well done to us thanks for sharing from another brain survivor who gets you all keep going headway nottingham watch our videos what not to say to someone with brain injury headway nottingham utube good luck keep going stay positive x

Had the same problem suffered a tbi in febraury this year, still have all the symptoms such as depression memory loss fatigue and insomnia, does anyone know if the memory problems get better in time following this

I got hit by a car when i was 14 and i hit the back of my head. Now i am 17 and i feel the depression and anxiety and emptiness for about a year now Its so hard to realize that if i just went outside a few seconds later or before i would still be like my old self and i wouldn't suffer from living And the worst part is that it wasnt even my fault. The car stopped and i went to cross the road and the car suddenly drove. It stopped immediately when it hit me. My whole life got ruined by just one stupid accident and i can't do anything about it. I feel so trapped and betrayed by life. I had so many friends and i was a really happy kid that had fun in everyhting. I havent interacted with my friends or anybody for 8 months now and when i look at social media i see all my former friends and people i know having fun and going outside But i am at home doing nothing being depressed and its all about a accident that could be prevented it i just woke up later or earlier

I know the fight.. I live it every day...

reminds me of Andy Samberg I have lots of the experiences they say in this doc but then I got a bazillion other things that are said between differing specialists.

I had a TBI 2 years ago. Oddly enough I suffer from what Brandon does

Rather have lost both my legs instead of this brain injury just no excitement for living through life since fucking 2009

Sounds like a wonderful guy. I had a frontal brain tumor the size of my fist removed in 2017. Depression, anger, impulse control, anxiety, sort term memory loss... But I look normal so people don't understand. But better over time but I'm not a senior executive anymore. Sometimes think it would have been better if I didn't survive but that wasn't the case.

Exercise is my love where nobody bothers me im always agitated around people i want to distance myself from them i tried everything i have been dealing with this since 2009 when i was 7 years old from a car accident

tiny change or tiny stuff or happy stuff, makes me cry very soon, very emotional after i bumbed my head 2,5 years ago against the fire place, and my yawn is not going like before the hit, and way less yawning, weird. never bin send to hospital. cannabis can help alot. instead of pills

After my TBI, I've had a fear of getting hit on the side of the injury; fight or. it's been 30+ years.

did he had a surgery in his brain injury ?

I have a tbi..up and down relationship feel despair everyday

I am having a difficult today.... I am having a day where I wish my accident on 3/31/97 took my life.. sad😢..

👍

Yee'Up!

Oh no the antidepressant disease model! I have had many TBI's the worst part of all of it was trusting in the disease model. I know there are special cases where that antidepresants work, but to trick you into that has lead me down the road that was far worse than the TBI's that I had. I am now unable to stop several of these medication as the result of manrely the so call doctors never saying you know these benzo's should only be taken 2 to 4 weeks. So 23 years later and hell of the dependance on them they more than anything have left my life in total hell! God bless all.

I can relate

Tbi & surviving!

Dude, having one of those days,and found this, TBI for over 30 years now,left frontal lobe,lol I haven't even finished the video the first thing he said got me,I relate friends,but the Holy Spirit and mysteries of it, always gets me back up, eventually, just let it pass✌️will come back,I'm not able to have relationship's,no one last past 3 months, in my 50s happy by myself but I was only child dad a farmer mom died,use to being alone afraid to get hurt my search for God is more than enough company,and a cat,no need to hurt me or anyones feelings no pharma,only herbal teas and real food a must,✌️🤞

So get it. Big time.

Sounds like me I had a tbi

not easy at all, cos I suffered almost the same

I understand I'm living with a severe tbi.

Not many people understand the changes that happened.. people leave you you get weird side effects .. personality change.. I went from from being some one liked . To some one no wanted to be friends with . I'm alone all alone

Why are they people disliking this

I think I have brain damage right now.

Brain injury vs trauma bonding victim with a over sexualized childhood from adopted parent who was never present for the kid. That's my life is there a way to make it work. Or is it hope.

The system broken..life is extremely hard

I think I have a TBI and no one knows...

im a brandon

I don’t want pity i want out of this body only God knows why!!!!!

Does he have sandwich breath

My doctors don't even care

Had the same problem suffered a tbi in febraury this year, still have all the symptoms such as depression memory loss fatigue and insomnia, does anyone know if the memory problems get better in time following this ?