Hello. I am new here, and not very good at navigating websites, so apologies if this question has already been asked and I just can't find the answer! I am 6 months into recovery from an acquired brain injury, of which seizures were a precursor, caused by adverse prescribed pharmaceutical effects. No longer suffering seizures and am off all medication (bar vitamins etc), but main ways chronic symptoms manifest themselves: dizziness, fatigue, cog fog, aversion to light and prolonged IT/screens contact, reduced ability to filter out peripheral sounds and conversations (hence I have to wear ear defenders all the time). On the very big plus side, and unlike so many sufferers, I don't suffer anxiety or depression - at least not to the extent that many people now seem to have. My symptoms manifest themselves mainly in physical ways. I am very keen to get back into the workplace, but I haven't worked for about 18 months. I am very nervous to apply for new jobs for a number of reasons: I don't actually know what my current capacity is- my previous jobs were middle-ranking civil service communications jobs, but I don't know if I have the stamina for it at the moment. Also, my self confidence has taken a rather big knock, and I have never worked since becoming disabled. Having said that, I think there would be significant benefits to me getting back into the workplace at some level. My question is: what sort of specialist support is there, either at a local level or nationally- for supporting me getting back into work? I am reluctant to make contact with government agencies, as ironically- (or perhaps because I have extensive experience of working for government agencies!) - I don't trust them to provide me with the sort of support I need. I'm keen to get back into a similar type of work to what I did before, perhaps at a more junior level, or even part time working. But I am also worried that if I put my CV in, a potential employer might think that I am overqualified for the job, compared to what I was doing previously. But I mainly need help in: (a) having an honest independent assessment of what I am capable of; (b) identifying supportive "brain injury friendly" employers, and (c) helping me have that initial conversation with potential employers about what my capabilities - and limits- are. For example, if I am in an open plan office environment, I can't imagine being able to function well with the peripheral visual and aural distractions that most people are able to tune out. Also, currently I need to lie down periodically throughout the day, and I am not sure of the ability of employers to be able to make reasonable adjustments to allow me to do this.
Thanks for reading to the end of this long ramble! I would appreciate any signposts, guidance or suggestions. If you do respond, please let me know if you are responding with a particular "official" capacity or in a personal capacity, as I have made the mistake, on other forums, of confusing layman's advice with expert advice! I value both, but I am not always very good at placing appropriate weight on different responses! To be honest, this has principally in the realm of "medication recommendations" in the past, so that probably isn't relevant here.
With love and best wishes to all fellow travellers, who go through the challenging and potentially traumatic experience of brain injury.
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