MHM Magazine

42 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | Issue 1 | 2022 MHM SADAG has over 160 Support Groups around the country that deal with all manner of mental health related issues, as well as Support Groups specifically for family members and loved ones. SADAG guides and trains new Support Group Leaders on running a group step-by-step. We help with training webinars, materials, handouts, information and more. After an illness or traumatic injury to the brain, depression, anxiety and PTSD are common. Often, these people require support and understanding in a specific way that not everyone can provide This month’s featured group is the Depression, Anxiety & PTSD related to Brain Injury Group hosted by Aruna. Aruna’s Support Group provides the space to find comfort, understanding and connection with others who have or are experiencing mental health struggles after brain-related illnesses and trauma, including strokes, tumours and TBIs. It’s important to deal with depression, anxiety and PTSD specifically related to these injuries, with an understanding of what sufferers may be going through. Often, it’s difficult for those who have not had these experiences to relate to and offer the kind of support these people require. The Group also offers support and insight to loved ones of those who have had or are having these experiences. As well as providing a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space, the Group also has expert speakers from time to time. Some words from Aruna: Why was it important for you to start this particular Support Group? As a TBI survivor I wanted to help/ assist individuals who have had similar experiences. I wanted to make a real difference by sharing my personal success in managing my anxiety and depression as a result of my TBI. However the most import reason was to support another person who has had the same experience as me. How does depression, anxiety and PTSD related to brain injury differ from other causes of these conditions? A brain injury impacts a person’s being on the inside and outside. It changes the way a person expresses themselves, and the way they react. It can take away certain brain functions and in most cases the aftermath of a brain injury results in anxiety and depression. What do you see as the key benefits for someone who joins the Group? A person who joins does not have to feel alone and isolated. They can relate to another individual going through the same issues they are. An added benefit is a sharing of ideas on how to overcome their current situation. SADAG SUPPORT GROUP SUPPORT GROUP FOR DEPRESSION, ANXIETY & PTSD RELATED TO BRAIN INJURY (STROKES, TUMORS, TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES (TBI)) If you have a patient who would benefit from this group, please provide them with SADAG’s contact details 0800 21 22 23