Hamilton Brain Injury Association / Brain Injury Services Hamilton

Explanation of Mask

The Joker is a very misunderstood character and someone I can relate to because of that. He is always joking around but underneath the comedy, there is more. People miss it because they focus on the jokes. My brain injury is a joking manner now, masks what is really going on underneath. People miss that because they think it is all just in fun. My girlfriend is my shelter, my shoulder to cry one, someone I can rely on. She is my Harley Quinn because she understand and accepts the true me, brain injury, jokes and all.

Explanation of Mask

People have mistaken my ability of who I am for a lot of different things. They think I am broken or cracked. My body does feel damaged on the inside, like a lightning bolt through my body. However, I have a normal brain, I am smart, kind and funny. I had just graduated from film and gotten my degree the day I was hit by a car. Now I just feel screwed.

Explanation of Mask

Most information absorbed is usually repetitive. Without this, everything which is seen or heard but not on a constant basis is forgotten. For example. I have been fishing for 28 years before my injury and I remembered that because of repetition; but before my injury, I got married and had four children and because I only did that once, I have forgotten all the particulars.

Emotions on my mask:

• Uncertainty- not certain if I can or should do something.
• Confusion – lots of people unsound.
• Preservation – will not stop until the task at hand is completed.
• Helpfulness – always willing to help even those unknown
• Fearlessness – absolutely no fear in my well-being.
• Anger – mostly anything or anyone will anger me to a point of distraction.

My mask indicated the non-repetitive information coming in just runs out “info in, info out”

Explanation of Mask

There is much information, trains coming into my brain station at any one time but there is ony ever one track to handle them all. As a result, responses are slower to be generated, often are too late to flow with the conversation and sometimes never come at all. This causes feelings of stress, frustration, sadness, and if too much at once, creates the need to completely withdraw.

Explanation of Mask

I like routine and a set schedule. I find it easier to maintain order if I can keep a regular schedule. The biggest lesion following my car accident and ABI was in the left frontal lobe of my brain. It was a multi-focal injury, occurring as a result of the rebound of my brain within my skull following the impact. My brain injury wasn’t concentrated solely in one area but rather, it was comprised of lots of little injuries. My impulse control was altered significantly; my sense of inhibitions too, was dramatically altered. The brain injury certainly affected my being and my life and I now tell it like this:

I am a…

Teacher, father, husband, champion-level athlete, scholar, writer, singer, actor, brother, son, and crossing guard. I am a survivor.

Explanation of Mask

I can become angry and stressed (red mark above my eye) when people hurt me. I have difficulty building relationships which makes me sad. I try to always remain positive (yellow star below my eye). To help myself I attend support groups and take karate. The colours at the bottom of my mask represent the levels of karate belts. Karate has also helped me with my balance. My balance has been affected by my ABI but karate has really helped me.

Explanation of Mask

I had my accident on my first day of being an elementary school teacher. After my accident, I had to put my life back together again (puzzle pices). The words symbolize some of the emotions I feel as a result of my ABI.

Explanation of Mask

I feel many emotions, primarily pain, anger, and happiness. I am happy because I am alive, and I am happy raising awareness about brain injury. I am angry that I have an ABI and have difficulty with everyday tasks. I am physically and mentally in pain. What helps me the most is getting involved and helping out.