Insights will help others facing their own challenging journeys
In 1999, P J Long suffered a traumatic brain injury after being thrown from a horse, even though she was wearing a riding helmet.
Only briefly unconscious, Long was nauseous that evening and went to bed. She soon entered a twilight world where she lost her sense of being. She didn’t know where she was or what she was doing. She felt confused and exhausted.
Long embarked on a long journey to recovery from her traumatic brain injury. She will share her story and insights as part of WellSpan's Journey of Courage Speakers Series, 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 9, at The Pullo Center, Penn State York. To register for this free presentation, call 851-3500 or 1-800-840-5905.
All WellSpan staff members attending the presentation are eligible for one training hour credit. You may register online or through the LMS system.
Long recently answered some questions about her experience and recovery:
What was it like for you in the early stages of recovery?
At first, I wasn’t aware of what was wrong. As I’ve described it, I was living in a twilight world. Once my brain started to work again, however, I began to feel frustration, despair and sadness. I wondered if I would ever be the person I was before the injury.
What skills and abilities were impacted by your traumatic brain injury?
I was left with the inability to perform even the most basic tasks. I had to relearn all kinds of things, like driving and writing. I had vanished memory, and I struggled with exhaustion and physical weakness. I underwent cognitive therapy, which proved to be a tremendous help.
What are the key messages you want your audience to take away from your presentation?
First is that strategies and therapies for getting better are very important. Good professional help is paramount to the recovery process. Also, you can’t underestimate the value of healing virtues such as patience, gratitude, acceptance and hope. Too often we focus on one or the other. They should go hand-in-hand.
Each person’s journey is different because no injury or situation is exactly alike. You have your own unique footprint. You need to bring the right mindset and positive attitude to your journey.
How important is hope to the recovery process?
It is tremendously important. I have recovered beyond anything I ever imagined. You have to believe it’s possible. We are more resilient and courageous than we realize.