22/08/2025
It’s Brain Injury Awareness Week!
From 18 - 24 August, people all across Australia are talking about brain injury and the impact it has on everyday life.
So, what is a brain injury?
A brain injury (also called acquired brain injury, or ABI) is when something happens to damage the brain after you’re born. It’s often called an “invisible disability” because, from the outside, you might not be able to tell someone has a brain injury.
The brain is like the body’s control centre, so even a small injury can change how someone thinks, remembers things, or feels. It might cause forgetfulness, make it harder to concentrate, or affect mood and behaviour. In more serious cases, it can make everyday tasks difficult to manage without support.
Brain injuries can happen in many ways, including:
• Head trauma (from a crash, fall, fight, or other impact)
• Stroke
• Infections
• Substance abuse
• Illnesses or degenerative diseases over time
According to Synapse, about 1 in 45 Australians live with a brain injury. Chances are, you already know someone who has one, even if you don’t realise it. In fact, every four minutes, someone in Australia is taken to hospital with a medical issue that causes some level of brain injury.
This year’s theme is “Invisible disabilities deserve visible change.” It’s a good reminder that just because you can’t see someone’s struggles, doesn’t mean they’re not real. By being kind, patient, and understanding, we can all help make life a little easier for people living with a brain injury.
If you or a loved one lives with disability as a result of brain injury, we have support options available at Total Support Services to assist with daily living.
📞 Call us: 1800 800 877
📧 Email: info@totalsupportservices.com.au
🔗 Learn more: www.totalsupportservices.com.au