By Adam Scott

Why June Matters

For many Canadians, June isn’t just another month, rather, it is a time to acknowledge the ongoing journeys of those living with brain injuries. Brain Injury Awareness Month is more than a public health campaign as it is also a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a real person navigating an often invisible and misunderstood journey. This month gives survivors space to feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. 

June matters because brain injuries and the effects they have on people do not just disappear as the headlines fade, as for many it can be a lifelong condition. This month shines a spotlight on lived experiences and creates momentum towards better services, deeper understanding, and positive change in supporting those living with brain injuries.

A National Effort to Raise Awareness

Brain Injury Awareness Month is recognized across Canada with a united goal: to make brain injury visible, not just in the medical world, but in everyday conversations, workplaces, schools, and communities.

Throughout the country, non-profits, healthcare providers, rehabilitation centres, and survivor networks collaborate to host educational events, campaigns, public forums, and community fundraisers in an effort to bring attention to the complexity of brain injuries and the support that is necessary. This collective push is essential as Brain Injuries can often be misunderstood, underfunded, and inadequately addressed in the public health sector. This national effort means a louder voice sending the message that brain injury is a serious issue affecting millions of Canadians and should not be overlooked. 

Fast Facts About Brain Injury in Canada

• Over 1.5 million Canadians are living with the effects of an acquired brain injury.
• Brain injury is the number one killer and disabler of people under 40.
• The most common causes include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and strokes.
• Every three minutes, someone in Canada sustains a brain injury.

The Reality of Living with a Brain Injury

For survivors, life after brain injury often means adapting to a new normal that isn’t always visible or easily understood by others. Unlike some injuries that can completely heal with time, brain injuries often bring lasting, complex changes that affect every aspect of daily life.

Many survivors experience challenges with memory, concentration, fatigue, balance, or speech. Tasks that once required little effort such as grocery shopping or attending social events may now feel overwhelming. Emotional regulation can also become difficult with mood changes, anxiety, or depression being a common effect of brain injuries. These challenges do not just impact the survivor. Family members, friends, and caregivers are often also on their own journey of learning adjustment. The invisible nature of brain injuries and their symptoms can sometimes lead to frustration or misunderstanding from those who do not fully grasp the effort required to navigate daily life. 

Returning to work, school, or hobbies may not always be possible, or may require significant changes. The path forward is rarely straightforward and progress may often come in small hard-fought steps. However, even in these challenges, survivors demonstrate immense resilience and determination. At its core, living with a brain injury means learning to rebuild one’s identity. This is why awareness is so critical, so that we are able to create a world where survivors aren’t pressured to “look fine” but are fully seen, supported, and valued.

Traumatic vs. Acquired Brain Injury

Brain injuries can be classified into two broad categories:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): caused by external forces such as accidents or assaults.
• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): includes non-traumatic causes like stroke, brain tumors, or infections.

 Regardless of the cause, the impact can be life-altering.

The Challenge of “Invisible” Disabilities

One of the most difficult realities brain injury survivors face is that many of their symptoms are not immediately visible to others. Unlike a broken limb or a visible scar, brain injuries often leave no physical mark. Yet inside, survivors may be dealing with ongoing cognitive, emotional and physical struggles every day. 

Fatigue, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, light or noise sensitivity, emotional regulation challenges, and many other problems are just some of the many ways brain injury affects daily life. Because these challenges are not obvious to the outside world, survivors often encounter misunderstanding, impatience, or skepticism. People often make assumptions leading to feelings of isolation, guilt, or even shame for survivors who are simply trying to navigate a world that often doesn’t accept their reality. 

How Awareness Sparks Change

Raising awareness is not just about sharing facts. It is about shifting perspectives and breaking down barriers that are preventing lasting change for brain injury survivors. Awareness builds the foundation for action at every level, from personal interactions to public policy.

Breaking Down Stigma

One of the most difficult challenges survivors face is stigma. Because brain injury often comes with invisible or misunderstood symptoms, survivors may encounter judgment, skepticism, or lack of empathy. Some people mistakenly believe that brain injury only happens in extreme situations or that recovery is simply a matter of time. Awareness can help dismantle these misconceptions. When we openly talk about brain injury, share personal stories, and educate others about the complexities survivors face, we can replace judgement with understanding. Most importantly, breaking stigma allows survivors to feel seen and validated, rather than isolated or dismissed. It encourages a culture where asking for help is met with compassion and empathy, two very important aspects of recovery. 

Shifting Policy and Public Understanding

Awareness does not stop at the personal level, it also influences how society allocates resources and structures support systems. When more people understand the long-term impacts of brain injury, there is greater pressure on governments, healthcare systems, and insurance providers to create policies that reflect survivors’ real needs. This can lead to:

• Better funding for rehabilitation and community programs
• Improved access to mental health and vocational services 
• More comprehensive workplace accommodations 
• Recognition of brain injury as a lifelong condition requiring ongoing care and support

Public awareness also helps build inclusive communities, ones where schools, workplaces, and public spaces are better equipped to serve people with invisible disabilities. When awareness grows, it empowers survivors, families, advocates, and organizations to push for changes that create lasting support.

How You Can Support Brain Injury Awareness Month

Awareness is powerful, but real change happens when people take action. Whether you have been personally affected by brain injury, or simply want to make a difference, there are many meaningful ways to get involved. Not just in June but all year long.

Share Your Story or a Loved One’s

Personal stories bring awareness to life. By sharing your own experience, or the journey of a loved one, you help others better understand the challenges that come with brain injury. Your story may offer hope to someone newly diagnosed or educate someone who never realized how complex recovery can be. 

You don’t have to be a public speaker or writer, sharing on social media, attending an event, or simply having open conversations with people can spark compassion and understanding. 

Join VBIS Events and Initiatives

The Victoria Brain Injury Society participates in a variety of events throughout Brain Injury Awareness Month but also all year long. Come find us at local farmers markets, the Royal Victoria Marathon, and tons of other fun events within our community. The funds raised from these events are vital to creating a safe space for survivors to connect while bringing brain injury into public conversation.

Everytime you attend, volunteer, or spread the word about an event, you help grow the reach and impact of awareness efforts.

Donate or Volunteer in Your Community

Support doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. Every donation to VBIS helps fund critical programs, from one-on-one peer support to education sessions for caregivers and community outreach. Volunteers play an essential role as well, offering time, skills and heart to support survivors and families at all stages of their recovery.

Let’s Make Awareness Actionable All Year Long

While June shines a much needed spotlight on brain injury, the reality is that survivors, caregivers, and organizations like VBIS work through these challenges every single day. Awareness should not end once this month is over. True support means carrying that support forward into our communities, conversations, and decisions all year long. 

Stay Connected with VBIS

One of the easiest ways to stay engaged is to remain connected to the organizations doing this important work. Follow us on social media, subscribe to newsletters, attend educational events, and share posts that help spread knowledge and resources. Staying informed allows you to be part of the ongoing conversation and support system for survivors in your community.

Become an Advocate for Invisible Disabilities

You don’t have to be an expert to advocate for change. In your workplace, school, or social circles, speak up about the unique challenges of brain injury and other invisible disabilities. Encourage policies that create inclusive environments, ask questions to grow your understanding, and challenge assumptions when you see them. Sometimes advocacy is as simple as listening, offering patience, and believing survivors when they share their experiences. The more people who embrace this mindset, the more inclusive and supportive our communities become.

FAQ: Brain Injury Awareness Month

Q: When is Brain Injury Awareness Month in Canada?
A: Brain Injury Awareness Month is observed every June across Canada. It’s a national opportunity to educate, advocate, and bring visibility to the challenges and resilience of those affected by brain injury.

Q: How many Canadians live with brain injury?
A: It’s estimated that over 1.5 million Canadians are currently living with the effects of brain injury. Every year, thousands more sustain new injuries due to accidents, strokes, falls, sports, or other causes.

Q: How can I get involved in awareness initiatives?
A: There are many ways to support brain injury awareness:

• Attend local events and fundraisers hosted by organizations like VBIS.
  
• Share educational materials and survivor stories to help spread awareness.
  
• Donate or volunteer to support programs and services for survivors.
  
• Advocate for better policies and more inclusive workplaces, schools, and public spaces.