The Invisible Rain Cloud: What's It Like To Live With A Traumatic Brain Injury?

Find out more at brainlaw.com/invisible-rain-c... A TBI is a life changing event. But traumatic brain injury is often called "The Invisible Injury" as injuries (and symptoms) will not always be obvious to an observer.
And for those suffering from a TBI it can be difficult to explain how they feel inside.
Every 21 seconds, one person in the USA sustains a brain injury.
And each year over 2.5 million Americans visit the emergency room after suffering a traumatic brain injury, with an estimated 282,000 require hospitalization.
While every TBI is different, and everyone will experience their injury in a unique way, "The Invisible Rain Cloud" attempts to explain some of the common symptoms and feelings an individual may face in their life after brain injury.
The video was created by New York brain injury lawyers De Caro & Kaplen, LLP (brainlaw.com), who have been advocating on behalf of individuals suffering from a brain injury for over 30 years.
Find out more at brainlaw.com/invisible-rain-c...
Credits:
Music: Acoustic Breeze from www.bensound.com/
Brain Injury Association Of America Logo © The Brain Injury Association Of America
Images created using www.pixton.com/

[@BrainInjuredTortellinni]

When people tell me I’m lucky to be alive, I respond with, “well your lucky to not have a traumatic brain injury”.

[@amandalynngibson8332]

Excellent reply. I mumble yea- fugg you too.

[@mEE1434eva]

I heard the drum roll after that.

[@Teeveepicksures]

I usually say "Am I though?"

[@Toadhouse2003]

Perfect response. I’m going to use that too. Thank you! ☺️ 💗

[@Tmahones94]

I suffer from a tbi that basically ruined my life, this hit really hard because it's so accurate

[@decarokaplenllp3391]

We are sorry to hear about your difficulties. in producing this video, we hope that it will shed light on this invisible injury and assist you in explaining to friends, family and others what it is like to be living with a TBI.

[@Tmahones94]

@@decarokaplenllp3391 i shared it on facebook in hopes it will

[@lav856]

Absolutely .. I don't disagree .

[@jaxraymond173]

Same, nearly lost everything because of it!

[@amberschochet5536]

Me to I was in a car crash when I was 16 and it has really messed things up

[@trinityalps3695]

I just got fired after 23 years of service. My boss kept insisting that I was a downer, too forgetful and not a good fit, but my skills as a designer were not in question. I had to sign an agreement not to sue them to get a couple of months of severance. I hope I can find a new job. I'm sending this video to the the HR director and her minions. One of them will eventually get it.

[@fannymcphee1480]

Good luck to find a new job. I have been forced to resign when I had the tumor came back. It was very difficult but I got much better job now. I'm sending you all my good vibes

[@briantitus2478]

I need someone to talk to

[@danielsingh9415]

U still can sue, ur rights were not represented

[@jaxraymond173]

They gunned for me in my job at the time I should’ve been able to focus on my TBI. I was put on constant observations and then a capability review, it was relentless and very stressful. Then they selected me for redundancy of course!! I knew there would be no let up, so I let them make me redundant then went back for a bit more. Been struggling ever since! Think it’s disgusting how you get treated after an injury!

[@jaxraymond173]

@@briantitus2478did you find somebody?

[@RussCobleigh]

the one dislike must be from someone who is not dealing with or living with a TBI !

[@brycegroves7519]

Coming from someone that loves someone with a TBI, I didn't even realize what it must be like living with a TBI. Thank you for a peek into your life and that of my boyfriend. It was an eye opening view to say the least.

[@LauraKaminer]

Thank you for tryouts NA to understand

[@happylilhippie33]

I remember many times a day waking up paralyzed. I have had pain everyday since I was 14. Tbi is one of the worst things. You lose YOURSELF! even your personality can change. I'm mostly blind after my strokes. I look normal, but even after 20 years I still can't cope with the loss of ME. Stay very patient with your bf. I'm glad he has a supportive partner.

[@barbaramandy8708]

@@happylilhippie33 so sorry you are struggling too....I guess all of us on here are, in one way or another. You said it perfectly, I lost myself. I was smart, could multitask, had a medical career that I loved. Now it's hard to find the right letter keys on the keyboard. Sometimes I just stare at them, trying to figure out what to hit next. No one really knows because besides a few scars and a slightly skewed face, I look fine. Hoping things get easier for you, for all of us.

[@RussCobleigh]

even though I live in Sweden and you cant help me, I thank you for this video, I don't feel so all alone

[@michaelkaplen9227]

thank you.

[@heatherheimbigner5855]

This has been my life since I was brutally assaulted and beaten by an ex. Strangulation and loss of consciousness. There’s so much sadness in living with a TBI. Everyone thinks “you’re just fine,you look fine” but that’s so far from the truth.

[@PashutHerenstein]

So far from the truth! Yo I can’t believe how many ppl kno exactly what I’m talkin abt here. Sorry abt ur tbi, it’s ruff, but u for sure r not alone! We got this

[@steveknight4291]

summed up so beautifully. Especially the part about wishing some days you didn't survive and how its not lucky. It is a hard life to live

[@bamfmoney2894]

I've had that pop in my mind. I live with my parents and they help me with a lot that I would have never had issues taking care of. Stay positive. There are people out there who love you. I'm trying to find a local support group of people who would understand

[@logandarkhorse3377]

Thank you, this is how I feel every day since my tour in Iraq my MTBI is a living, breathing nightmare I wish would just either get so much worse I'd just forget all together or for 1 day just stop hurting. I've been walking around in a fog since 2007. I pray others to recover as I apparently will not. Hurting, alone, misunderstood, judged, always reaching for a motrin, hell on earth.

[@michaelkaplen9227]

This is very disheartening to hear. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made for your country. We hope that this video helps you explain the difficulties you are going through and helps others understand life after a TBI. Our prayers to you.

[@PashutHerenstein]

I hear u bro tbi

[@debbiesinclair9461]

At the age of 49 I have had two strokes and I can now shae this with my family in the hope they may understand what it is like. Life changing.

[@amandalynngibson8332]

Awww. Sorry about the strokes. Hope your family can understand.

[@priyankapunjabi844]

Thank you so much, I have a severe traumatic brain injury and a diffuse axonal injury. I don’t like the same things I did before my injury. I can’t do things I used to do. I can’t drive. It does feel like I have a personal rain cloud over my head making even the sunniest days gray. It’s always there. High or low it is always there. No one can see it. My brain injury is invisible. My friends and family also tell me they forget things. I’m like but do you remember what you did yesterday? I don’t. I miss my old life... I miss the old me...

[@lav856]

So relatable ✨ would you like to connect with me via email. I would like to connect with you. I have 2 head injury and now Ibs.

[@TJ36077]

I have shared this video with so many people. People that are part of my son's rehabilitation . One of the hardest things is that people think he doesn't try or needs to put in more effort. This is a great video and explains a brain injury so well. He was in a hit and run and every day is a challenge and every day is different

[@decarokaplenllp3391]

So pleased that this video assists you son and you explaining this invisible injury.

[@RobertCunningham]

I miss the old me too, getting to know the new me is just one of the things in a life. Thanks very much for the video and sharing of a story.

[@Tmahones94]

I miss who I was but I do enjoy who I became. 9 years later I still struggle after almost dying twice. Time sometimes doesn't heal all wounds but day by day you slowly start to understand.

[@LauraKaminer]

Compassion

[@withasideofdoodles-326]

I miss the old me, too

[@amandalynngibson8332]

@@withasideofdoodles-326 holding on a thread today. Good thing it's not the "end of the rope". Hoping it passes. Best part is him saying "for some people it doesnt". If I knew how, I would find the exit. Recycle this soul.

[@barbaramandy8708]

@@amandalynngibson8332 I understand. Like him, I don't feel lucky either.

[@jjwyndroski7597]

Thank you for this video, I have been diagnosed with mTBI following a car accident that was not my fault, but I am dealing with this now - hopefully, this video will help my loved ones understand me better - thank you again and God bless you...

[@brookjacobs6809]

The same exact thing just happened to me recently and it’s hard to cope

[@GTX970TI]

we got each other, mate! Keep soldiering on.

[@happylilhippie33]

Life really is unfair. I imagine you have ALOT of anger that that happened to you. I woke up one day paralyzed on my left side. At 14 yrs old. I've lived a very lonely life where no one understands. I'm still angry 20 years later. I want my brain back!! I want to play piano, I want to do a pirrioutte!! I've had to live my life in a body and brain the was chewed up and spit out by life. One day I hope to get through this video and not be a crying mess by the end of it.

[@bekfifi7269]

​@@happylilhippie33 how are you now❤

[@jaxraymond173]

Yes non fault car accident for me, she got away with it all whilst I lost my world and had to rebuild, still have stunted income from that time and scraping through.

[@RadioQueen1000]

I had a brain surgery 6 years ago and had about half of my brain on the right side removed to control my epileptic seizures. This video made me cry, because i see myself in so much of this. Thank you for sharing this to try to help people understand someone around them who has a brain injury. It hits the nail right on the head. I wish there were more awareness videos like this.

[@amandalynngibson8332]

The loneliness is going to kill me.

[@valetudinarian]

I hope things get better for you ❤️

[@Teeveepicksures]

I dont know how much more of the lonliness i can take. im exhausted and its getting harder. this shit aint worth it

[@ashlau007]

The depression is another level. Peripheral neuropathy and mental health has worsened since my severe TBI-ICH. I keep to myself because it has changed me to a different person I'm still trying to accept. This video helps a little, I want to show it to loved ones, but what is rhe point.

[@PashutHerenstein]

Ya fuck em lol na they just don’t understand I’m w u bro but there r good things from the tbi as well like at least we’re not fuckin normies! U feel me or nah? (Btw 20 years ago , age 14, hit by car on bike, 2 surgeries, 198 stitches, coma etc…)

[@masonparks3939]

I personally became obsessed with the phrase "I USED TO BE ABLE TO" but then I finally realized.....I'm not the old me anymore. That is no different from a healthy person, they aren't the old them either!! I CAN RELATE TO EVERYTHING SAID IN THIS VIDEO. just never knew how to say it.. Thank you.

[@johnpotoczny2888]

There is NO better way to explain to people what it's like going through this T.B.I. life. My aneurysm popped in my head 8 years ago. I'm so thankful to have all my faculties now, but some things still linger on. At my support group, our coordinator always mentions its life 2.0. Still hard to accept sometimes, but day by day things do get better. Just wish more 'normal people' would watch it. Empathy not sympathy is all we ask for. Thanks.

[@decarokaplenllp3391]

Thank you for your comment. We are gratified that this video is providing a benefit to the millions of individuals who are suffering from this invisible injury.

[@Fairybongmother]

Thank you for making this. All those with a tbi and their loved ones should watch this.

[@michaelkaplen9227]

Thank you for your kind comment.

[@LauraKaminer]

YES

[@peacelovejoyandhappiness]

My father was diagnosed in the hospital with A TBI and the neurosurgeon told us he’d never be the same. My father’s right side of his body was paralyzed along with his breathing capabilities being lessened from his blood bleed on his brain. My father fought the fight as much as possible when we had to decide what was the best decision for his life. Hospice came in and he was gone only weeks after his diagnosis. I’m heartbroken 💔 😢. Videos like these helps me to understand how difficult his life may have been almost turning the elderly age of 80 in a couple of years. Life would have been very traumatic for Dad. Rest in peace in heaven precious father.

[@borrago]

3:14 got me crying really hard for 30 minutes. The old me died that morning. I am in mourning.

[@PashutHerenstein]

We r better now, post tbi.. I know it’s crazy to say but it’s true.

[@ccwethington8207]

Mine isn't considered traumatic because it was due to surgery but all of these are so true and this video helped me to not feel so alone with what I'm going through

[@dormantsuperhero]

This has found my words for me. A perfect description. I feel so alone, and misunderstood.

[@aliciarahn2097]

We aren't alone, though it feels like like way too much. Theres many of us living after stroke, grieving the loss of OURSELVES.

[@JennapherLawson]

@@aliciarahn2097 exactly this...

[@coachdakeys]

Man me too 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@lindacantrell2791]

This is so perfect! I’m a survivor of a ruptured brain aneurysm. This describes me so much❤ Thank you for this!

[@gtwhome]

... some truly heartbreaking comments on here ! God speed you all.

[@CarloVenturini454]

I haven't watched Brain injury videos in years, but this was awesome they were all too much to take in on the invisible injury no one understands. It's been 22 years since I Aquirre'd my TBI from a motorcycle accident. I still miss my old life every day, my house, relationships, confidence, memory & learning but especially Me. It's funny how they give more insurance pay outs if you trip over in a supermarket and hurt your ankle then cracking your skull in 4 places and 8 weeks in brain injury unit then the recovery. Let's keep going beautiful people, my heart goes out to all L & R

[@withasideofdoodles-326]

Thank u. I survived a car accident in 1997. TBI and a broken left femur. had therapy: physical, recreational, occupational and speech. Took about 6 months to get better, except for the cloud hanging over me ALOT! GOD bless.

[@PashutHerenstein]

Brah that cloud is a wave we just gotta learn how to ride it. Hit by car on bike at age 14, 20 years ago. I was. Errrrr crazy stuff bro i kno what it’s like I don’t even kno what I’m doin now just reading and seeing ppl who walk talk and act like me and sayin hey

[@decarokaplenllp3391]

We hope this provides a benefit in explaining the invisible injury that you are living with.

[@PashutHerenstein]

Incredible video guys! I can’t wait to meet! I just celebrated 20 years since a brain injury last week, and I’m happy to find this community!

[@LauraKaminer]

I’ve never ever found anything so close to receiving the impossible. Thank you so much.

[@nicholaswachtel3428]

I have to say this has most closely illustrated what it's like for me as well. It feels good to see this, and know that I am not alone. Thank you so much for creating this.

[@decarokaplenllp3391]

It was our pleasure. We hope that it provides you and others a means of expressing to others your frustrations in living with this invisible injury

[@wassocial3423]

Having a TBI not for 22 years, just now seeing this. Thank You very much for putting what living with a TBI is.

[@PashutHerenstein]

Just hit the 20 year mark before I saw this vid and discovered that there were others who knew exactly what’s ups

[@terryspry8482]

Oh dear god, thank you so much for this! ✌🙏❤

[@missrockinroll1]

Its well put, just like it really is.....

[@aliciarahn2097]

Just got told for the millionth time, I always forget about your hindrances, because you look fine......sent them this. Always makes me cry. I still can't accept this me, 19 years since my strokes.

[@michaelkaplen9227]

That's the huge problem What public can't see, they can't understand. No wheelchair, no crutches, no bandages, so what can be wrong. A Harris Poll study survey many years ago found that most people thought they could identify a person with a brain injury by just looking at them! We hope the video provides a benefit to you in explaining this invisible injury.

[@annmariemichael1928]

Alicia, I can relate with you, had my TBI in 08. I forget everything most days. It seems my world has shrunk to a couple of people. Because who wants that friend who ask the same question time after time. I'm not lucky I survived my accident, I doesn't feel like I'm lucky. Tired, so very tired of being angry at me for being me. I wish things were different, but ... The new me sucks. Thanks Richard

[@LauraKaminer]

Hugs

[@shadfan66]

Bought tears to my eyes, I have a close family member who suffered this issue. I recognise what you say

[@decarokaplenllp3391]

We hope that this video provides a benefit to you and your loved one. Please feel free to share.

[@LauraKaminer]

Kind of you. My closest put me down for it.

[@peggibreen9820]

I am a TBI Survivor and yes this was so well said and yes I did cry as it's exactly how I feel. I am me but not the old me and am trying to accept the new me - do I like it no but I like me and want my family, friends to try and understand me how I love them - don't or not to pity me but love me sometimes I need a hug of encouragement and yes I did have to learn and still do my balance, walking talking and still eating without choking and 6 months of speech pathology, PT OT and more to go. And how I love my family so much all they have done for me and my husband but it is such a challenge for me only wish they understood to be back in my old and own surroundings, to be nearby my Dr's that know me know what I went through what I feel & how I'd give anything to live in my old home and not that I'm unappreciative or selfish but it's very hard to have big traumatic changes as my 3 neurologist understand and know other's who suffer would too. Thank you for your video it says it all. .

[@lav856]

Hello ✨ Would you like to connect with me via email. I would like to listen to you and share my story with u ✨💜🧸🌼

[@morris9786]

Well said on the video. I was shot in the head on 4/26/23. Concussion, T.B.I. given to me according to paperwork I have from Hospital. Half my skull was missing for 6 months. This is first video I have seen that makes me feel good.

[@PashutHerenstein]

Nice bro! Glad u alive!

[@susandavidson126]

❤My dearest friend had sepsis and was in the ICU for some time. After the trauma of going through all he did,he,too,has also suffered immensely with The Invisible Cloud. As his friend I will do anything to help 😢 It breaks my heart that he has such a serious condition. He had been a loyal and trustworthy friend of my brother,Doug,who passed 9/12/22 for 40 years plus. They shared the love of Rock n Roll that my brother passed down to me. I am Doug’s little sister. I will do all I can to educate myself on brain injuries. This video is brilliant and has opened my eyes even wider and to thrust forward and learn to communicate at an optimal level to ease his anxiety over his brain injury. Jimmy

[@KarentheSarge]

I’m still here after 26 years post TBI. Medical problems keep going and so it’s a long journey. Just found this and thanking you for sharing your experience, and to the people who wrote in the comments. You are helping me to find my way, even after all this time.

[@PashutHerenstein]

I am kinda loving my tbi reading these comments. It’s been 20 years for me! Still figuring it out

[@ceejfletcher]

I remember my friend wanted me to visit her after my accident. I didn’t want to. I was so exhausted and a bit confused. She said later I scared her. Let she came to Australia and was an hour a way. Didn’t even visit me. We were the best of friends just two years before.

[@agoogleuser3918]

For those of us who have a brain injury from prescribed meds , taken as prescribed, and have suffered serotonin syndrome( I almost died) I have had Tardive Dyskinesia, Dystonia, AKATHISIA, all this is BRAIN DAMAGE. My primary care physician wrote in my online medical records that my drug induced movements appeared to be " self induced" . I have lost literally YEARS of precious memories due to dangerous cocktails of drugs that were given to me after the death of a family member. Thank you for the video. When will medication induced brain damage be recognized? Epilepsy was my primary and only dx.

[@mathes656]

This is a perfect discription of living life with a tbi .... I've been alone for 12 years battling this alone it's rough ....... 6 months after my accident my wife left me and it's been down hill since then ....... Invisible hell

[@michaelkaplen9227]

Upset to hear. Maybe think about some support groups. You can contact your State Brain Injury Association to see if they can assist in finding one that might fit for you.

[@PashutHerenstein]

Ya I totally get that no question asked. But we got this brother

[@esthermofet]

Having found myself quite suddenly three years ago on the rather unfamiliar side of life, I will never again tell someone, "But you look fine!" What I'd like most is for somebody to ask, with sincerity and a modicum of compassion, "How can I help?"

[@michaelkaplen9227]

Yes, that would certainly be a better response. Compassion and respect is required.

[@jenniferstokley3112]

This was Right On Point, So True!!! (From me, a severe TBI Survivor/Advocate)

[@WoodrowGeorge]

Wow, that's me. I feel that this is me. Thank you for telling about this.

[@michaelkaplen9227]

Please consider forwarding this to your friends and family so they may better understand your frustrations and injury

[@WoodrowGeorge]

@@michaelkaplen9227 They understand what I had been going thru because it happed 25+ years ago.

[@privateassman8839]

Yeah. It feels like my life has been divided into "Pre-TBI," and "Post-TBI." There's been personality changes, critical thinking/cognitive processing/information retention/reading compregension changes. I feel like a completely different person, and like all of the people and things I loved are growing more and more distant. I've lost empathy, and find it impossible to connect with people (think spending time with a best friend, and how there's that "click," and you "get" the other person and understand them).

[@privateassman8839]

@@antiquenotdead7 Thanks. Did math/reasoning skills also change for you? I feel I've become irrational, and basic math (kindergarden through middleschool level math) was completely out of my grasp for almost 2 full years after my tbi.

[@khajiithadwares2263]

Frontal TBI? I've changed schools alot during middle-school so I attributed any change to being part of growing up, different crowds, different teachers... had a frontal TBI last year of elementary, not enough to cause coma or amnesia, but enough to cause a dent in the bone where impact was and to have (periorbital) internal bleeding around the eyes for a month afterwards, that I had to wear shaded glasses to hide the "raccoon eyes". I used to have B+/A in all classes, then I only continued to have A's in memorization classes (history, english, artbio), Maths went downhill...C+ in primary to D- /F in HS. I have photo-acoustic sensitivity... any sound loud enough or light bright enough can give me a "headache". Last time I went to a concert, I got home with the veins in my eyes turning red. Sounds from unknown origins can cause a danger response; both this and the light sensitivity have less to do with the head and more to do with trauma and being stuck in flight-or-fight panic mode almost all the time... Worst part is that it took almost 2 decades to revisit something of the past you - I thought I was fine, so I can imagine other people not seeing a problem either. But given everyone experiences with the same 5-8 or more after-effects, there is something... Im bad with doing things that require planning and have trouble in finding meaning in my own emotions... if people interpret that as a lack of empathy or lacking motivation, or just plain depression, I dont know what to say.

[@chuckwyant5574]

my 16 yr old grandaughter is just now after 10 days of her accident getting vent removed . I know there's a long way to go and her injurys are severe. they are telling us all options are still on the table with her and im still in shock and beside myself. I feel as though if she's dealing with the issues in this video we will be fortunate however it makes me feel selfish to believe that. I couldn't at this point bring myself to share this video with anyone in our family but God willing we get to a point where we can breathe .. I will

[@michaelkaplen9227]

our thoughts and prayers are with your granddaughter

[@chuckwyant5574]

@@michaelkaplen9227 thank you so much..I really don't have anything to compare this to. I live alone and am very careful right now in the things I say. I only wish I had someone who knows this injury to help me better understand. But I'm not ready because we know so little at this point pertaining to her injurys .. it's hard on this old man to say the least.. it is inspiring however reading the comments of these wonderful survivors. I just wish I could hug them all

[@teciejones9664]

I am 9 yrs TBI. To me it was being born all over again but in older body. Someone was always inroducing others who came in room and the descriptive words she used werent exactly true like loving, honest, truthful, so caring. I found some of those were stealing, lying from or to me. I was a newborn learning this seemed to be a fallen world. I learned to breathe, walk, talk everything all over and who I was

[@decarokaplenllp3391]

Appreciate your comments. One thing to remember about brain injury, is that every brain injury is unique to that individual. No two brain injuries are alike. Hoping for the best for you.

[@Teeveepicksures]

i dont even like myself anymore. the old me had troubles and the new me has even more.

[@hummingbird7713]

This is how i felt but didn’t have the words. Got hurt at work,was let go 6month. Now I lost my husband one year after. I’m so lost.

[@jeanmarietuggle3428]

That’s how I feel!

[@decarokaplenllp3391]

We hope that this video assists you in explaining this difficult subject to those that may not understand, and wish you all the best. Please stay safe

[@lav856]

Me too . Pls connect with me. I need someone to talk to.

[@RussCobleigh]

my doctor only talks about is whiplash and never about how it affects my brain, all i here is anxiety this and anxiety that, i miss me, my doctor has never even said the words traumatic brain injury

[@rayeannepenner414]

Nothing is worse than having to bury 'the old you'.

[@michaelkaplen9227]

Unfortunately, very true. Experts inform me that to achieve recovery, it is important to embrace the new you.

[@lav856]

I don't disagree 🌸✨🙏

[@michaelkaplen9227]

@@lav856 distressing, but very true.

[@PashutHerenstein]

Nah fuck the loser version of ourselves now we better

[@dirtysquared]

Thanks for this video. It helps me feel better when I'm down in hard days

[@DillonMeade]

This could not be more on point I suffered a tbi at 16 years old I am now 20 it happened so young and life is so different I had to relearn everything I thought I knew how to it’s hard most days but GOD IS SO GOOD he will is I’m so thanful

[@user-fz1zb6et8r]

My TBI happened in 2004 following a car accident..This video is spot on And the people saying I was lucky,I also looked at it as if I was lucky this would of never happened!And I so miss the old me,but I'm ok with who I am now.I have to be to get through

[@michaelkaplen9227]

Wising you all the best with your new life.

[@user-fz1zb6et8r]

@@michaelkaplen9227 Thank you!

[@PashutHerenstein]

Dude I also had a 2004 tbi ! Hit by a car on a bike.

[@EToddRoss]

Greatest video I have seem so far. Videos are about all I can do now so I appreciate this one!!

[@RussCobleigh]

been coping with my TBI from a work accident since 2015, now being told I have ptsd also !

[@coachdakeys]

Feels like being swallowed alive sometimes. Feels like I'm so mad sometimes and the crazy part is I have to look for why I'm so mad because I don't understand why I'm so mad. Feels like I lost close relationships or maybe they didn't lose their relationship with me maybe it's me that disconnected with them. The hardest part is trying to explain yourself to people because I just end up feeling like they just think I'm making excuses so I push myself through the mental and physical pain so I don't have to feel that feeling that people think I'm lying. TBI? No it's more like "Who am I" because this injury has taking over my life and now I just continuously find myself trying to find myself.

[@mydogsareneat]

The only time i get to experience human connection is in comment sections of videos like this and that usually winds up hurting enough to show even on the worst days

[@Squadup2]

I know just how you feel... it's depressing and can trigger a spiral of despair.. If no one told you today, I love you.

[@kristine3076]

Yes, this is just like my story

[@michaelkaplen9227]

we hope that our video assists in explaining your injury to family and friends who may find it difficult to understand what they cannot see.

[@lav856]

Mine too

[@khartoumwood4421]

this hits home though people just think I'm odd many people don't know what this is like or even care. 😐

[@XOXO-mb2vh]

When that 'shift' happens, does perception alter everything perceived? Is there a new understanding of what 'reality' actually is? Is there a lessening of anxiety when one stops trying to understand everything? Is there still that core 'you' underneath everything that seems to come and go cognitively?

[@decarokaplenllp3391]

Very astute comments that need to be explored. The concept of the "new you" is important to understand in the context of TBI recovery,

[@roderickkison1906]

Life changes. Yes I have brain damaged, yes I had three strokes. Aphasia was the biggest issue. My stroke was April 2011. The KZbin was pretty much spot on, however am I the same? no.

[@joebeta]

This is what I'm going through right now.

[@michaelkaplen9227]

sorry to hear this. i hope that you find some peace and comfort and this video enables you to better explain to others what you are going through god bless

[@joebeta]

@@michaelkaplen9227 Thank you Michael.

[@brad2548]

I seem to remember who the old me was all the way back to childhood. Then I forget and truly find myself dealing with each moment for today.

[@brandonpoe1355]

Thank you making this video and posting it. I'm actually still crying as I type this. I was in a motorcycle accident July 31 2018, my little brother birthday who's taller than me now. My skull was fractured, and had my left leg amputated. I don't even remember the 1st hospital I was at, I have to watch videos and hear stories. I started getting memory back at the 2nd rehabilitation hospital. I couldn't read, write, or talk for months. It took me forever to get this far now but my speech is off and I sound drunk. I can't think of words I'm trying to say, but know exactly what I'm looking for. I've been denied for disability 3 times and have a court date in January on my own now....maybe I'll show the judge this video. Again thank you from the bottom of what's left of my heart.

[@michaelkaplen9227]

Sorry to hear about all the difficulties that you are encountering. We hope that this video assists you in explaining your injuries and wish you all the best.

[@Cyyruzz]

Im glad i stumbled upon this. One of my brothers has one, and im learning to cope with it. I miss how he used to be , but theres nothing i can do to change that and he's still amazing.

[@ANIVIABLUE]

Thanks for the video my daughter was born with a brain injury and has since passed away. I wonder how she would of been like and these videos make me get a better understanding of brain injuries 💙

[@michaelkaplen9227]

Our condolences to you.

[@kraevinmoorehed1776]

This describes everything I'm going through . Thank you so much for the video. It's literally how it feels 😪 it's been a year since my car accident .

[@michaelkaplen9227]

Please use this video to assist in explaining to others what it is that they cannot see or appreciate. Wishing you the best.

[@kraevinmoorehed1776]

I will . Thank you 😊

[@LauraKaminer]

A year for me this week. So alone.

[@GaryPeak]

It’s been 20yrs since my wreck. I went through so much back then - years of struggling, everyone missing the ‘Old Sallie’. I’ve been in such denial - trying to fake it, outrun it, somehow get back to me. The me I am now is not enough to be of any true goodness and purpose. I fight to try to be enough for my loved ones. I see now that I my denial has caused my loved ones pain, suffering, consistent disappointment, false hope. I can’t accept this anymore. God forgive me. I know I am blessed and should be grateful. I chose to think that way and truly believed I could still be good for them. It’s been years. I’ve been believing a lie. I’ve not made things better for them. I can never make things ok again. I didn’t want to face this - because it’s something I can’t live with. I was supposed to die in that wreck. I don’t want this to be true…but it just IS. In the long run, they would have all suffered much less and been much better off if I hadn’t of survived. I don’t want to be here anymore

[@jamescruce1167]

love this. I share whenever I get the chance on Facebook.

[@DanGardnerMD]

Very impactful analogies. Well done!

[@RussCobleigh]

that first question is wrong ! No one asks me what it is like living with a brain injury !

[@michaelkaplen9227]

The question is meant for the public to appreciate an injury that is invisible.

[@RussCobleigh]

@@michaelkaplen9227 - except no one does ask the question, we are invisible and no one really cares !

[@michaelkaplen9227]

@@RussCobleigh We care. The Brain Injury Association of America cares. There are many who care and are concerned about your well-being. With respect, Michael

[@RussCobleigh]

@@michaelkaplen9227 - I have been dealing with my work related brain injury for almost five years, believe me when I say - NO ONE CARES !!!

[@RussCobleigh]

don't know how much more I can take, no one here cares

[@juliaclarizio2437]

very well summed up!

[@lulumoon6942]

This really helped. Thank you. 🙏

[@dorcassutton1446]

You summed it up well when we ask WHO AM I?

[@cangels15]

I love short video !! Thank you so much!! 🥲💯🫶

[@rogercmerriman]

Not unsurprisingly this rang true as you’d expect!

[@charlablevins474]

Great video. This is exactly on point.

[@matildecestoni5021]

I needed to hear this. Thank you gor the video it held me feel less lonely and understood 😌🌟

[@LisaEstrada-fl3ok]

This is about to make me cry its like I wrote it thank you for letting me know ow I'm not alone

[@adammartin3944]

Couldn't agree more with this!!!

[@OujiDarkmatter]

Wonderful video,thankyou.You described my new reality perfectly.We have HOPE! I had a near fatal stroke July last year.I can walk,speak and can recall 'THINGS.i was not prepared nor told about the severe depression and frustration that was a part of the brain healing.Unable to work a job and accepting life as it is now aint fun but I am grateful for life over death

[@taiweannoona1204]

This just meant so very much to me. I related to it sooooo much. Thankyou for this. I hope you’re hanging in there and finding new growth each day.

[@michaelkaplen9227]

Although I am distressed to hear about your injury, I do hope that others who will watch this video have a better understanding of your invisible injury.

[@tomtbi]

Sadly I can relate to this .. Because of my TBI issues I had to give up my once beloved hobby of model car building... I don't have the patience anymore... 27 years of suffering... Sad😢...

[@SectorfiveYT]

This video explains exactly how It feels for me, but I don't understand what I have, because I never hit my head hard or anything, so how is it possible that I have brain damage?

[@tammycrook9412]

This is so true . I say all the time I want the old me back. I disappoint myself often by trying to do what I use to , then can’t. No one understands me because I look fine on the outside. It’s hard to except who I am not.

[@michaelkaplen9227]

We understand. We created this video to show to family and friends who may not understand all the ramifications of a brain injury.

[@michaelleonard9189]

Wonderful animation, and narration

[@michaelkaplen9227]

Thank you. We hope it provides a benefit to brain injury survivors and their families. Stay safe in these troubling times.

[@lawanahultquist9342]

Thank you Dorris ❣️🙏

[@decarokaplenllp3391]

Our pleasure. Difficult for most to understand. We hope it assists you.

[@jojoumbrellatreephotograph6880]

wow. thank you for being vulnerable. Thank you for being so brave. You made a difference in our life today. you are pure magic. Jo

[@decarokaplenllp3391]

Appreciate your kind comments wishing you all the best.

[@sirwaldo999]

I wish that when I shared this video with people after 4 1/2 years someone would believe me but my efforts to sue for peace has failed nearly every time. Still love it and will keep sharing because it speaks a truth I can no longer articulate

[@michaelkaplen9227]

thank you

[@chuccacloud4088]

You couldn't of said it any better. Thank you so much!

[@michaelkaplen9227]

appreciate you comment. hope that this video provides some assistance in explaining this invisible injury.

[@chuccacloud4088]

I hope it does. Because my siblings abandoned me 6 years ago and trying to get back in the family. So I sent them the video. Since they would never come to a group.

[@bamfmoney2894]

This is all what i am dealing with right now. I almost died 4 months ago from a hit and run. My initial recovery and release from the hospital suprised the doctors. Now im in a slow stage of recovery. Can't do anything i used to do as hobbies, not driving, started stuttering, body thinks its cold when i really shouldn't be, struggle remembering what things are called, not able to fully take care of myself. Nobody knows what i deal with inside, but get told that i look great and they wouldnt know otherwise anything happened to me. I hope to get as close to a full recovery in a years time and hopefully no relapse.

[@Arelisf]

I thought I was healed but it never went away. I improved physically but cognitively worse than preinjury. But overall I think we all get better. But it will always be invisible to others. I hope your outcomes take you where you wish to be 🧡 We are enough, we are worth it.

[@JennapherLawson]

This is fantastic -- really well done...

[@decarokaplenllp3391]

Thank you.

[@neebeeshaabookwayg6027]

you did this very very kindly... thank you... i know folks... folks need to see and know this... amen...

[@decarokaplenllp3391]

Pleased that you approve. Hope you can share so others understand

[@neebeeshaabookwayg6027]

@@decarokaplenllp3391 , ah, yes, i already, have, too... :)

[@TaraJayne30]

I share this video all the time and repeatedly when people tell me my son doesn't try or he needs this and he needs that. He needs understanding and support. It's the only thing out there that really explains properly and simply what it is life. Makes me cry because I miss my happy, confident, intelligent boy. Hes not the same but he's still here and I am so proud of all he has achieved. I am sure he will be ok It just takes time

[@michaelkaplen9227]

We appreciate your comments and the assistance this video provides to you and your son in explaining this invisible injury.

[@RussCobleigh]

no one here in Sweden believes I was/am injured from my accident at work !

[@michaelkaplen9227]

Very unfortunate. Perhaps asking them to view this video may be helpful. it is difficult for the public to understand and appreciate this "invisible" injury. If physical injuries or physical assists such as crutches or a wheelchair are not observed, then the public is conditioned to think everything is fine. Unfortunately, we know this is not so.

[@RussCobleigh]

@@michaelkaplen9227 - insurance company here försäkringskassen turned down my appeal for compensation and AFA !

[@cakerus111]

Almost 4 months ago my brother Had a heart attack and as a result have hypoxic brain injuury... initially he can only open his eyes with limited look around movement.. now He can move his lips tongue eyebrows elbow,feet finger,shoulder and head ..but very little. And he yawns too Almost after a month he started breathing on his own... initially was put on a ventilator .. He was initially having food through NG tube now doctors have inserted through stomach what they say as "peg tube". He also have tracheostomy tube in the neck Also mri scans have shown global or severe hypoxic brain injuury He is only 33 . he also produce tears in both eyes.. he cannot even control his head ... ... Right now he is discharge from the hospital and we are caring for at home we are doing physiotherapy ourselves. To protect him from bed sores We are changing his position every hour on bed

[@annmariemichael1928]

Thank you for putting this together for me. Richard Michael

[@michaelkaplen9227]

Our pleasure to provide this to video to brain injury survivors

[@annmariemichael1928]

@@michaelkaplen9227 I called last night. I really need help. This is too much. Nobody listens past the anger, I feel alone in a sea of confusion since 08. I guess it's easy to lead the confused into the railroad tracks. I'm not angry at you. I apologize.

[@jurachi1180]

I can’t even remember the old me. I forget everything that happens. Remembering HS is just remembering what a few class rooms looked like, just a glimpse, maybe something strange but only a few things. Last month feels like years ago. Today feels like my entire life. I just want to end it. I have no knowledge or things to stimulate my head. All I can think about is what is going on right then, if it’s nothing then I think about not being here at all, because I am not here at all