Let's show our respect and support to those affected by Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The month of September is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. TBI is caused by strokes or sudden trauma to the brain after a fall or other aggressive activities effecting the brain. According to website, Scioto.com, 5.3 million Americans are living with a disability caused by a TBI and face many challenges to live full and productive lives. Traumatic Brain Injuries are the top cause of death and disabilities to individuals under the age of 44. Awareness and educating people as well as communities about the common causes, symptoms and prevention of the destructive nature of a TBI.
According to Jackie Biggs, manager of the TBI art therapy program of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) at Fort Belvoir, Va., who works mainly with vets who have returned home after receiving TBI during active service. Many times her clients express reluctance when Biggs introduces them to art therapy. One common excuse is "I am not artistic and have not done it since I was young." However, after she continues to encourage them to give it a try, then the "magic happens". Their reaction shows a sense of surprise when they say "Wow! This feels like medicine! I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time. My head hasn't been this clear in a long time!"
Biggs explains that therapy works at the cellular level in the brain, restoring connection s that might have been damaged during a traumatic event. Admittedly, art therapy is not a magical cure, but clients experience progress in how they deal with issues and it creates an opening to help them put words to what they are feeling.
We Care Arts is proud to contribute many art media services to individuals who are effected by TBI and many other disabilities for their personal expression through art.
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