Half a Mind to ..

Life after brain injury – one small victory at a time.

Tag: recovery

  • A Healing Brain (Insight 018)

    A Healing Brain (Insight 018)

    My brain is in the process of healing and repurposing. For years, people believed that once the brain was damaged, that was that — a closed door, a full stop. But the truth, as we now know, is much more hopeful. The brain has a quiet talent for repair. Through neurogenesis (growing new nerve cells) and neuroplasticity (forming new connections), it can rewire itself — not perfectly, but well enough to find new ways of doing old things.

    After something like brain surgery or a stroke, this means recovery isn’t simply about waiting. The brain is busy listening, watching, and learning from whatever we do. Every attempt — whether it’s trying to take an even step or coaxing a stubborn hand into movement — sends a message. But beware the catch …

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  • Agree Workplace Adjustments (Strategy 002)

    Agree Workplace Adjustments (Strategy 002)


    When I went back to work after my illness, one of the most important things that happened was the process around “reasonable adjustments.” Occupational health got involved and set up a proper conversation between me and my manager. Together, we worked out goals that matched what I was realistically able to do with my new limitations. I’m not an expert in the legal details, but I do know that employers have some responsibility here — and being part of a large company definitely helped. We ended up with a living “reasonable adjustments” document, which we reviewed every month. The deal was simple: if I kept to the adjusted goals and did my part, then in the annual performance appraisals I’d automatically get a rating that kept me safe from being penalised or dismissed for underperformance. It wasn’t perfect, but it gave me security and a fair framework to keep contributing at work.



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