The time following a child’s brain injury is incredibly overwhelming for any parent. Most parents put their lives completely on hold while they learn to navigate the new world they have found themselves thrust into. Their days are spent talking to doctors about what the future holds, discovering what treatments and therapies can best help their child, figuring out ways to pay for their child’s care, and battling insurance companies. Parents go through all of this, while at the same time dealing with the heartbreak and devastation of wondering if the dreams they once had for their child have been dashed.

Parents who try to go it alone will find themselves depleted and exhausted—and of no significant help to their children. Parents who want to do the best they can for their children must take care of themselves—and that means accepting help from others. Enlist the help of family, friends, church groups, other parents, and whoever else is willing to help.

One thing that makes coping difficult for parents following a child’s brain injury is the fact that they feel so alone. In many cases, parents don’t know anyone else who has been through a catastrophic event such as this, and so they don’t know whom to turn to with questions and concerns.

In many cases, your child’s medical team can point you in the right direction when it comes to finding groups that can help you better understand how to navigate things like medical information, therapies and benefits, finances, and legal issues. It’s important for parents to remember that they are not alone. In fact, there are many groups dedicated with helping others cope in the aftermath of brain injury. Many of the members of these groups have already navigated the issues and problems that you are facing, and are very happy to help steer you in the right direction.

In addition to asking your child’s medical team for recommendations, be sure to check out our list of brain injury support groups by state. For legal and financial help, or for help getting your child he benefits and therapies she needs, contact us to find out how we can help.