5 replies to this topic

[rollar16]

To whom may be reading this,
My younger brother was paralyzed from the waste down six years ago. He has never connected with anyone who is also paralyzed. I am afraid that he is very depressed and my family worries about him quite often. He Lives alone (100% independent) and has a full time job and a dog that's his best friend. I know that he would benefit greatly if he had even only ONE person to talk to in person whom is in a similar situation as himself. It would be even better if someone could help me find a group of people that he could connect with and begin building friendships. My brother is from the Columbus, Ohio area. Does anyone have any ideas to get me started.

Thanks so much for your help,
Justin

[Taylor818]

I know in my area, there is a Theraputic Recreational center that has monthly meetings where you can meet new people and hang out. They also have a pool with a lift, rugby chairs and hand cycles for people to try out and weekly practices for each sport. It's a great way to try new activities without having to make any initial investments and also spend time with people who can closely relate to you.

[rollar16]

Taylor818, on 15 November 2011 - 02:04 AM, said:

I know in my area, there is a Theraputic Recreational center that has monthly meetings where you can meet new people and hang out. They also have a pool with a lift, rugby chairs and hand cycles for people to try out and weekly practices for each sport. It's a great way to try new activities without having to make any initial investments and also spend time with people who can closely relate to you.

Thanks so much for your feedback. It is much appreciated.

[Tetracyclone]

Your brother's best resource is you.

Call him often just to talk- not about "How are you?", but starting with external events that you know may interest him. Any excuse you can think of to talk to him is good.

If you can, arrange a vacation with him in Columbus or somewhere close that builds around a disability event. It could be a marathon with a wheelchair division. Maybe you can visit some stage of Paralympics.

Get involved yourself in the disabled community and you will get a better feel for how to talk to him.

Suggest he sign on for this forum.

If you use whatever "worry" energy you are expending to get involved, you will find your own mental state lifts like magic. His involvement may follow, it may not, but you will know how easy it is to live well in a chair, and your view of your brother's problems will become more accurate.

check here: http://www.ehow.com/...umbus-ohio.html

Edited by Tetracyclone, 15 November 2011 - 02:15 AM.

[Denna]

I know most support groups in Tn comes from the hospitals. Call the hospitals in your area and see if they have any. Or even the hospital that he went to to get treatment. And I agree with Tetracyclone. Get involved. My major support is my family. Even though sometimes I want to strangle them.

[goose]

I would suggest he join this forum. He'll be able to meet lots of different people at various levels of injury. I know some who how swapped phone numbers. I know that's not the same as a in person relationship but a great way to meet friends who understand living with a SCI.