My moderate TBI was 33 years ago, I just finished the outline for my PhD dissertation and went rollerblading; I came to in the ER with left temporal and basal frontal lobe damage. Brain injuries hit everyone differently, and support from friends/family/coworkers is also important. Most coworkers gave me time to recover, a few were bullies (I'm a retired research scientist). There were few books on TBIs years ago; perhaps some of you that are replying can recommend a book that he/she can share with associates. I did finish my PhD and most of my word finding and emotional recovery was completed after 1.5 years, but improvements still dribbled in for 8-10 years.

I felt a bit like starting with dementia and working my way back, fitting together pieces of my jigsaw puzzle. It is a weird feeling, thinking you are complete and then new memories appear. I could not juggle multiple tasks at once, so narrowed to single focus (helps rewiring). As you have likely found, you miss a lot of cues and info in that mode. I could only work half days and then I would brain bonk. Naps are important.

Regarding what to tell friends and families, saying that brain injuries heal and rewire but it is a slow upward process a bit like stairs, mostly upward, resting, and plateaus. Ask for time. Our brains energy gluttons, and when injured are easily tired. It is also emotionally draining because we aren't quite the same person now. Simple tasks from before can feel like running marathons now. I tell people that I have some aphasia, that the word I'm searching for isn't always the one that I say. It is handy to keep a journal to document your recovery steps and experiences. Also good to list those pieces of your self that are still you (we tend to focus on what is missing). TBIs are physically and emotionally hard, and I hope you can find ways to escape the stress of the injuries and recovery experiences. I had one friend that was supportive, and that made all the difference.