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Michael Paul Mason, BrainLine
My loved one with a TBI has a hard time socializing and making new friends. What are the pros and cons of peer mentoring? What advice would you offer him?
Brain injury has a notorious reputation for disrupting — or significantly altering — a person's social life, but that doesn't always have to be the case. One of the best places to begin rebuilding your connection to others is through involvement with a brain injury support group.
Generally speaking, peer mentoring is a positive experience that benefits all parties involved. By establishing relationships with others who face similar challenges, you're able to learn about local support systems and the "ins and outs" of dealing with them. More importantly, you can develop a relationship with someone who can empathize with you emotionally.
Remember to verify any medically-related advice you might be given by talking with your doctor or other healthcare professional. And always remember to set appropriate boundaries by considering your own physical and emotional needs. Above all else, when establishing any new relationship, it's important to take things slowly and use good judgment. Remind yourself that it's okay to nurture relationships slowly; real friendship takes time.
Lastly, don't be afraid to openly discuss with family and friends any challenges and limitations you are currently experiencing because of your TBI, especially those that affect friendships and relationships. Sometimes just bringing up a concern helps to resolve it, or at least to see it in a different light.
Michael Paul Mason has served as an editor for two literary publications, and has appeared on several national media outlets, including the Lehrer Newshour, CBS News, and NPR's Morning Edition.
His writings have appeared in several newspapers and magazines, including Discover, The New York Times, and The Believer. Mason remains active as a lecturer and speaker. Mason has also built a reputation for noteworthy journalism. When Mason's article, "Dead Men Walking", appeared in Discover magazine, it ignited a national debate about the treatment of brain injured soldiers. Mason has since traveled to Iraq to report on healthcare and humanitarian issues.
Mason's first book, Head Cases: Stories of Brain Injury and Its Aftermath is an exploration into the harsh realities endured by brain injury survivors. While currently a brain injury projects manager at the Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute at Brookhaven Hospital, Mason continues to advocate on behalf of Americans with brain injury and is involved with several national legislative initiatives.
He is currently the founding editor of This Land, a monthly magazine based in Tulsa. He is also at work on a non-fiction book called The Human Assembly: The Discovery, History, and Industry of our Parts, Tissues, and Organs.
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