For Military and Veterans Military & Veterans

There Is Nothing Lazy About Someone with a Brain Injury

Adam Anicich, Army Veteran
October 1, 2012

Recent Blog Posts

Advice for Caregivers: Walking in the Shoes of a Loved One with TBI and/or PTSD
Using Communities to Further the True Meaning of Resiliency
Every Journey Starts with That First Step, Especially with TBI and/or PTSD
Maintaining Relationships with Family and Friends After TBI and PTSD
TBI and PTSD: Getting the Help You Need, Now

Adam shares an email from a Marine's wife about "brain fatigue." She worries that people — including her injured husband — think he is lazy or less proactive when it's simply a physiological symptom of the TBI. Adam offers kind and sage advice.

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Comments (12)

Encephalitis su... replied on

Brain fatigue is so hard to explain to others when you look normal. My first year of recovery was a nightmare. I’ll never forget opening Christmas presents at 7.30am in the morning and then sleeping til 2.30pm that afternoon through sheer exhaustion. Five years later I’ve fainted and had an epileptic fit when I’ve attempted late night outs with close friends and family. I have to accept that I operate on a low power battery these days and rest is vital.

Russell Cobleigh replied on

i like readin these, gives me hope. i was hit on the head and neck when an overhead lamp came loose swung down and hit me- even though i was told by someone i had brain fatique and concussion my doc is just fixated on my whiplash, one doctor said undiagnosed anxiety

Anonymous replied on

Thanks Adam! I had a major stroke in February and I know all about brain fatigue! Luckily, I have a very understanding husband and family and friends that watch over me.

Anonymous replied on

I am sharing this so friends understand that I am not lazy just because I sleep more your brain heals when you sleep I just wish they would understand this x

Anonymous replied on

Thank you and many blessings Adam. Your dedicated service seems to never cease. I am a civilian with a brain injury from West Nile Virus/ Encephalitis. Your efforts affect us all in a positive way. Thank you for your military service which keeps us safe. And thank you for sharing your courageous battle with brain injury. Michael

Anonymous replied on

Great advice for an ABI sufferer. As someone with a head injury I have to do this every day.

Anonymous replied on

Thank you Adam, I suffered an AVM that ruptured in 2011. My Neurologist saved my life. I seem to have bouts of fatigue and anxiety & my family physician is a gynecologist who hasn't a clue about brain injury. My head is not a vagina!... when I saw her last, she told me that I don't need anything for my anxiety but I do need a psychologist for my oddities. When I spoke to my neurologist, he had nothing good to say about her and got me on track right away with some required rest and simple relaxation techniques. I am asking anyone with similar problems don't despair, stay on course with those who help and be rid of those who do not/ will not understand what we are going through.

Anonymous replied on

Thank you Adam for your service to our country and for keeping our families safe. So very sorry that resulted in you becoming a TBI survivor. My son, Adam, suffered a severe TBI at age 15. He is now 18 and he is still struggling with the fatigue. His school isn't understanding any of it. I pray for you, please rest when you feel tired. It is your body trying to heal and you sometimes just need the rest. It is perfectly normal...don't let anyone tell you or make you feel lazy. That is THE last thing you are! You are a hero! God bless you & take care

Anonymous replied on

Thanks Adam. I have a BI that I got from an almost fatal illness called ARDS. My sisters think I'm lazy too. I work hard to not let it hurt my feelings. Even tho my partner explained this to them, they still think I'm lazy. So I let them think what they will and trust my supports. Appreciate what you're doing to help!!! BTW, it's taken me quite some time just to write this post!!

Anonymous replied on

Spot on my Man, TBI in 09!! summed it up for me!! also personality changes can n do occur n that too is ok.. ty for your service ;)

Anonymous replied on

You hit the nail on the head my friend. TBI since '99 and NO ONE will understand what we go through on a daily basis...even WE don't understand. It can change who you are on so many different levels, and can wear out relationships even break up marriages. We need all of the support that we can get but sometimes that's not easy to get from doctors who don't understand it and even your loved ones who also don't understand it. Thankfully, I was blessed with a wife who is stronger than she ever gives herself credit for and has stood, and stands, beside me even when things are almost more than she can bare. Stay strong my friend.

Anonymous replied on

I had 2 brain traumas, one in 1995 and one in 1999. My brain was my main asset, hard working, analyzing for me and others, problem solving, great organizer, achiever, etc. Now, I appear to be a couch potato hoarder. The things that came so easy to sort, file, and put away are now done, if at all, with extreme effort and short lived. No one understands because I seem normal in my conversations. It can lonely being misunderstood.