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Living with long term effects of brain injuries: Give all advice
I have played football for 10 years. Finished many games without remembering the game. Fought in many backyard street fights lost teethe don’t remember some off the fights themselves. Was in the USMC as radio operator with artillery unit lost hearing while in. Was a bouncer in nightclubs was hit with pool stick across head once, also been hit with beer bottles also. Lost 43 pounds in the last 3 months. I’m homeless veteran not looking for anything except advice. Oh I apologize I’m 51 in drug addiction. Been doing cocain in some way since I was age 19. Never had any weight issues until now. Can hear shit any more. Can remember names of people even though I have known them for years. Short term memory is not doing well either. Mathematics is not good anymore. I can’t sleep much anymore. 3 hours sleep typically daily. I have no problem going to sleep even on the drugs. But I I wake up full of energy. Don’t have any suicidal thoughts or acts for almost a year now. March 18th 2022 was my last attempt of suicid. I know I rambled but my grammar has gotten worse. I have a college degree which means nothing nowadays. Worked from 16 years old to 45 years old full time job as a psychiatric technician / CNA. Can’t get a job without losing it. I’m not looking for empathy or sympathy. Just advice please.
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It looks like you have been hit from multiple angles, TBI, hearing, isolation. That would engulf anyone. My brother had mental health and associated isolation so was homeless on and off much of his life; he got on SS disability after being evaluated as unemployable but that didn't cover much. I wasn't able to get him any social services care (housing and such) because he was paranoid. Homeless is a very hard life, and he felt like it was the only place he belonged.
You have worked most of your life and served your country. VA has TBI screening and it looks from your symptoms that you should be evaluated for that (search using "VA TBI symptoms"). There is a lot of research now on effects of concussive stress on the brain (such as from artillery blast overpressure, links at bottom)
If you haven't been evaluated and gotten rehab, retraining, and other services through the VA, now would be a good time to do that. I know there is a long wait. Social Security Disability, Medicaid, and any local social services are good to initiate. There are no quick fixes, and getting well is extremely hard work. Good that you are asking questions.
https://practicalneurology.com/articles/2023-apr/chronic-effects-of-traumatic-brain-injury-in-military-service-members
https://health.mil/News/Dvids-Articles/2023/04/17/news442754
Yes, please contact the VA. They have resources to help.
Let me start off by saying I hope my information is helpful to you. Although I am not an expert by any means in any field of help that you may be seeking, I do have a daughter that has suffered from a TBI for 27 years (since birth) and I have been her sole advocate. She also suffers from mental illness. Although this is by no means the same thing or on the same level that your are currently experiencing, I am hoping that some info I have will at least be helpful and point you in the right direction.
First, every State in the U.S. has a Department of Human Services Resources Manual which may also be accessible through Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). I live in the State of New Jersey. I am not sure of your ability to access this info, but this manual/guide would be very helpful to you (has everything in it that you could possibly need with telephone numbers, websites, locations, info for each and almost every disability, including TBI, hearing difficulties, etc.). Even if the info below is not specific to your state, the organizations should be able to provide you with info specific to your State and your County.
There are many other organizations that can help you with your exact needs. There are organizations that are Nationwide, and others that are for the State you live in. For now, here are some organizations that can possibly help you that I have retrieved from my New Jersey state Manual:
o VA Definitely. There is a Veterans Benefit Hotline - (888) 865-8387. Possibly linked to Bureau of Veterans Benefits,
o Apply for disability benefits through your local Social Security Administration for the area you live in (since you worked within the last 10 years for at least 3 months, that would give you some sort of monthly income) either for SSDI or SSI, and Medicaid (I believe SSDI will pay more because you have worked). If you are eligible for SSI you should be able to receive local transportation free of charge (mostly based on your disability and also how much money you have).
o Social Services for the Homeless/Homeless Hotline (I'm not sure what the number would be for the state you live in but I'm sure there is a number available for your area.
o Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Funded Living Arrangements
o Brain Injury Association of America ( there are also many states that have their own TBI organizations),
o Tunnel for Towers (Currently building facilities for homeless Vets) that are beautiful,
o for your weight loss I would go to the hospital (they can't turn you away),
o Every state has a Department of Human Services, if you let them know what state you are located in, they can check into more info for your location. They will also have a lot of the other telephone numbers that you are looking for, for in-state help for you, and can provide other additional info for you. For instance regarding transportation, rehab, everything that you could be eligible for, etc.,
o In case you ever need immediate help, there is a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Dial 988 and then 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Hotline; I hope you will never need this.
o There is also something called the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in each state. They offer help and info for people over the age of 20 with disabilities (they offer a large list of services).
o You should also keep the telephone number accessible for your local Substance Abuse Hotline (just in case so you have someone immediately to reach out to; again keep up the great work and just have this available if ever needed),
All this info can be located online to get you started. Unfortunately, I only have the Manual for the State of New Jersey.
I wish you the very best and hope this helps you to get started. Keep going in the right direction, you deserve this! A new year is on it's way. Like I always say, "new year, new me". Hopefully you will not be overwhelmed by all this info. Remember every step you take in the right direction, no matter how little, is still progress. My prayers will be with you.
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5 ReactionsDear @gusgus
You’ve a lot of worse things like drugs, hearing or seeing something/someone, memory lost, feeling suicide and others, but STILL you write is way better than me.
You & me are alive. Yes, we are different of our needs. Some good; some bad. For me, I injured my brain 12 yrs ago from my bicyclecaccident. I’ve lost 80% off from reading 10-5cahd fast, close to my (shoot, I can’t remember the name)master degree, working 8n my city, trying to remember during my past with Christmas with my family and on.
Drugs sfor me didn’t use it. But after I lose my swimming place or exercising lifts or talking to other customers (I was one) and on…
I hope your mind controlling the right way inside you. Nothing easy - even “normal” people has problems… every day… the human-life is hard fora\ all 9f us like:
‘
1) wars like nation-to-naction. The top ones wanted to control the other. The wanted thier money, tools,
2) killing each other
3) taking young kids away from their house
R) falling down
5) and others - all of us