07/02/2025
Thank you for having us Brain Injury Association of South Carolina!
Thank you to all who joined us for our monthly Information and Inspiration meeting which occurred on July 1, 2025.
We had a special guest speaker, Joy Kinney, from Speech-Language Pathology Associates of South Carolina, LLC provide a presentation to our group. Her presentation was titled " Glass Tanks and Healing Minds: What Fish Tanks Can Teach Us About TBI Recovery.
We learned several ways a fish tank can assist in TBI recovery. Here are just a few:
Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Watching fish swim in an aquarium has been shown to have a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety. This is particularly beneficial for TBI survivors, who often experience emotional dysregulation or heightened anxiety due to brain injury-related changes.
Social and Emotional Connection: For TBI survivors struggling with social isolation or emotional changes, a fish tank can offer a sense of companionship without the demands of more interactive pets like dogs. Naming fish or observing their behaviors can create a sense of connection and responsibility, boosting confidence and emotional well-being.
Cognitive Engagement and Focus: For individuals with TBI, cognitive deficits such as difficulty with attention or memory are common. Watching fish can provide gentle cognitive stimulation without being overwhelming. The act of observing fish or even participating in light aquarium maintenance (e.g., feeding fish) can foster engagement, improve focus, and serve as a low-pressure activity to support cognitive rehabilitation.
Some helpful tips if you are considering a fish tank for yourself:
Place the fish tank in a quiet, accessible area where you can comfortably observe it, such as a living room or therapy space.
Choose colorful, interactive fish (e.g., clownfish, cichlids) to maximize visual stimulation and engagement.
Sometimes less is better, especially when it comes to maintenance. Before you dive in and buy a lot of decorations, try a smaller/simpler tank to get your feet or fingers wet.
Fresh water is easier to maintain versus salt water.
If you are interested in attending future presentations for brain injury survivors, caregivers, and family members; don't hesitate to contact our office by calling 803-731-9823 or sending an email to michael@biaofsc.com