53% of chronically homeless individuals suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
That is nearly five times the rate for the general population.
A TBI is caused by a blow to the head.
It is commonly caused by a car accident, sports, war or violence.
The symptoms vary wildly, depending on which part of the brain was damaged by the accident.
Common symptoms include:
- Inability to focus
- Mood fluctuations
- Increased aggression
- Difficulty learning
- Poor memory
- Difficulty reading or writing
- Hallucinations
- “Disinhibition”
In my opinion, disinhibition is the most important symptom. We will cover it at length next week.
An Invisible Injury
Unlike a broken arm or a severe burn, a traumatic brain injury is an invisible injury.
There are no obvious physical signs, making it harder to understand (and treat).
TBI & Homelessness
A traumatic brain injury can:
- Be the cause of someone’s homelessness.
- Be caused by homelessness.
- Perpetuate someone’s homelessness.
TBI and homelessness are deeply linked.
If you don’t understand TBI, you don’t understand homelessness.
Want to learn more?
This month’s webinar is on TBI.
Have a fantastic week!
Peace,
Ryan
