Connecticut's partner in brain injury prevention since 1982

 Dear Kim,

Season’s Greetings from BIAC!

As we celebrate the holiday season and reflect on all that we at BIAC are grateful for, the most important of all is YOU!

We are thankful for our callers, who remind us daily about the importance of what we do for so many.

We are thankful for those who attend our support groups, for the many ways you support each other on this journey no one would choose.

We are thankful for our volunteers, for we couldn’t have support groups, put on events, or do our work without you.

We are thankful for our donors, for without you, nothing would be possible.

We are thankful for our board because you steer the ship and make sure we are on course.

We are thankful for each of YOU, because without YOU, there is no BIAC.

We wish you a happy and healthy Holiday Season. And remember, if you need us, we are only a phone call way: 860-219-0291.

My very best wishes to you and yours,

Julie Peters, CBIS

Executive Director

Tips for Managing Stress

The holidays can be a trying time for many people, including those managing a brain injury. We are sharing some tips on how to navigate these stressful times:

1)     Make a list or utilize a calendar of your to do list and mark off important dates or appointments. 

2)     Remember it is ok to say no. Do not overwhelm yourself with tasks or events that you do not want to attend or have time to participate in. 

3)     Keep things simple. This will help decrease the likelihood of becoming stressed or overwhelmed during the holiday season. Find ways to enjoy the holidays that are quiet, don’t overthink gifts, decorations or feel obligated to attend all of the holiday events. 

4)     Take time to rest. Taking a break or carving out time in your day or week to relax can help recharge your battery. Participate in activities that you enjoy or lift your mood. 

5)     Ask for help. Identify a few people that you can turn to for assistance with specific tasks or someone that you can talk to if you begin to feel stressed or overwhelmed. 

For more information on dealing with feeling overwhelmed and stressed during the holiday season, we would like to suggest these two helpful articles:

Survival Tips for the Holidays with a Brain Injury

Six Tips for Surviving the Holidays with a Brain Injury

BIAC 2023 Annual Professional Conference

March 17, 2023 at Quinnipiac University

Exciting News!! We are so thrilled and excited to be bringing our Annual Conference back to a live, in-person event on March 17, 2023! We look forward to another year of outstanding, informative, and top-notch professional education on current topics within brain injury practice and research.

Workshop topics include Vision: A Crucial Piece for Management of Concussive Injury; Managing Challenging Behaviors With a Brain Injury; Durable Community Living: Tools That Help with Emotion, Behavior and Cognition After Brain Injury; ABI and Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence; Employment after ABI and Ambiguous Loss. And we have more for you! Workshop topics are listed on our conference website page, here.

Don’t miss the ONLY professional conference in CT focused solely on all things brain injury! Stay tuned for information regarding registration, CEUs, and Sponsorship and Exhibitor opportunities!

Being a family caregiver can be extremely stressful for lots of reasons. One thing we hear often from the loved ones of survivors is how difficult it is to know what to say and how to say it. Here are some things often said to survivors and how to reframe them:

What NOT to Say to Someone with a Brain Injury*



You seem fine to me.

Sometimes it's very hard for individuals with brain injury when they feel misunderstood… they might even know they look fine… but they may not feel that way.

Say this instead: Sometimes it's hard for me to understand what you’re going through… help me understand.

Maybe you’re just not trying hard enough.

Effort can be very difficult to see, and sometimes it's impossible to see. The best thing to do is to try and figure out what is at the bottom of the problem.

Say this instead: Maybe if you explained what is hard about this, we can figure out a way to solve it.

How many times do I have to tell you?

It’s frustrating to repeat yourself over and over, but almost everyone who has a brain injury will experience some memory problems. Instead of pointing out a deficit, try finding a solution. Make the task easier.

Say this instead: If I can figure out a way to help you remember… Do you think that would help?

Let me do that for you.

Independence and control are two of the most important things lost after a brain injury. Yes, it may be easier to do things for your loved one. Yes, it may be less frustrating. But, encouraging your loved one to do things on their own will help promote self-esteem, confidence, and quality of living. It can also help the brain recover faster.

Say this instead: How can I help you with that?

Just think positive!

That’s easier said than done for many people, and even harder for someone with a brain injury. Repetitive negative thinking is called rumination, and it can be common after a brain injury. Rumination is usually related to depression or anxiety, and so treating those problems may help break the negative thinking cycle.

Say this instead: I know you love Wheel of Fortune; it comes on in 10 minutes… And can I make you a cup of coffee?

*Source - brainline.org: 9 Things NOT to Say to Someone with a Brain Injury.

BIAC sponsors a large network of support groups throughout Connecticut, giving individuals with brain injuries and their caregivers the opportunity to connect and share their stories. 

We currently have 12 Active Support Groups that conduct monthly meetings via Zoom or Hybrid (In-Person/Zoom)

Reminder:

Family/Caregiver Support Group Starts December 7th!

FIRST MEETING: December 7^th

REGULAR TIME: 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm

ZOOM LINK: Join our Cloud Video Meeting  

CONTACT: Scott Moore, [email protected]  203-233-2129

For further details on all our groups, please check out the BIAC website Support Group page for the one that best meets your needs! 

As you start your online holiday shopping, don’t forget that a great way to support BIAC at no additional cost to you is by making your Amazon purchases through AmazonSmile.

AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.

It doesn't cost you anything to support BIAC! So don't forget to shop as you always do with Amazon, but just be sure you are on the AmazonSmile website!