Helping veterans navigate life after traumatic brain injury

More than 28% of Australian Defence Force personnel have experienced at least one mild traumatic brain injury in their lifetime. Typically, this is due to explosive blasts, vehicle accidents, training incidents or physical trauma. 

For veterans living with the effects of a TBI, the right assessment, rehabilitation and psychological support can help them to take practical steps towards improving their wellbeing, independence and quality of life. 

The impact of TBIs 

A TBI can affect every part of a veteran’s day-to-day life, and one of the biggest misconceptions is that the impacts present in obvious or severe ways.  

While some impacts may be visible, others – such as changes in memory, concentration, fatigue, mood or sleep – can be harder for family or friends to recognise, which can make the experience feel isolating for the veteran. 

Because a TBI can affect different areas of the brain, veterans may experience physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural changes that affect movement, communication, self-care, relationships and everyday routines. 

These changes can make everyday tasks feel more difficult or unpredictable. A veteran may find it harder to manage responsibilities, stay socially connected, take part in activities they once enjoyed, or feel confident in their body and abilities.  

Understanding this broad impact is an important first step in reducing stigma and helping veterans seek appropriate assessment and support. 

How physical rehabilitation can help  

Movement is central to independence, confidence and connection. When a TBI affects strength, balance, coordination or flexibility, veterans may withdraw from activities because they no longer feel safe or confident doing them. Physical rehabilitation can help break this cycle. 

Tailored rehabilitation with a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist may include strength training, balance exercises, coordination work and task-specific practice.  

Over time, these structured and safe activities can help veterans rebuild capacity, reduce fear of movement, and regain confidence to take part in the activities that matter to them.  

The role of psychological support 

Psychological support can help veterans better understand the emotional, cognitive and behavioural changes that may follow a TBI. This can include support for anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, sleep difficulties, adjustment, relationships and changes in identity or independence. 

On-going irritability, mood fluctuations, anxiety, or a decline in day-to-day functioning can all be signs that a veteran may benefit from psychological support following a TBI.   

Seeking help is a positive and proactive step. While support may not remove every challenge, it can help veterans develop coping strategies, manage symptoms more effectively, and maintain their quality of life.  

Psychology, counselling and social work services can also help veterans and their families navigate the broader effects of TBI on daily life. 

TBIs and PTSD 

For some veterans, a TBI may happen during a traumatic event, which can increase the likelihood of experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well. The two conditions can also share similar symptoms, including anxiety, low mood, irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbance, hypervigilance and avoidance. 

This overlap can make it difficult to know whether symptoms are related to the brain injury, the traumatic experience, or a combination of both, so a thorough assessment is important to guide the right mix of medical care, rehabilitation and psychological support.  

Challenges for families and loved ones  

Families and loved ones often play an important role in supporting a veteran after a TBI, but they may also face challenges of their own.  

Changes in mood, behaviour, communication, memory or day-to-day functioning can be difficult to understand, particularly when symptoms are not immediately visible. 

These changes can place pressure on relationships, routines and family dynamics. Access to information, professional guidance and peer support can help families feel more confident, understand what to expect, and support their loved one while also looking after their own wellbeing. 

Support at Mates4Mates 

If you are living with the effects of a TBI, you do not have to manage it alone. A good first step is to speak with your GP about your symptoms and ask about assessment, treatment and referral options that are safe and appropriate for you. 

At Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centres, Mates4Mates clinicians are here to support veterans living with a TBI through psychology, counselling, social work services and physical rehabilitation.

Support is tailored to the individual’s needs and may help veterans understand symptoms, develop coping strategies, rebuild confidence, manage ongoing challenges and improve quality of life.  

Where appropriate, veterans may also be connected to advocacy services through RSL Queensland to assist with accessing supports and entitlements. 

Every veteran’s experience is different, and progress may take time, but small steps can make a meaningful difference.  

To find out how Mates4Mates can help support you, reach out to us on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat. 

 

Written by Marc MacDonald, Mates4Mates Psychologist and Baxter Mahutonga, Mates4Mates Clinical Lead – Physical Rehabilitation Services and Physiotherapist