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Symra’s story

“Everyone understands what you’re going through because they’ve all had a brain injury and got similar symptoms to you."

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Action For Brain Injury Week 2026 | We see you, Symra

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I don't speak to a lot of my friends that I used to. That is partly because they got on with their own lives and partly because I I I think we don't um meet each other as much, either. Brain injury can leave you feeling isolated and alone. Friends can feel like strangers and the work, hobbies and routines you once relied on are no longer possible. So, my name is Samira and I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2020. So, I was at university doing law. I had completed the first year of my postgraduate. I was quite healthy. I was going out. We always used to go out. We went to restaurants, we went to cafes, we did shopping. It was 2020 when they diagnosed.

So, and it was also COVID and my immune system was quite weak. So, I couldn't go out much. I didn't go out much. I know I missed events that I wanted to go to. I did feel a bit like people are doing things and they are they were asking me out. >> >> But, it was me that was saying no and then I felt like they would think it's because I'm being rude that I'm saying no, but it wasn't. It was the doctor's recommendation. So, I have gradually gone out and done things, but I have to make sure that someone is available to stay with me at all times. Um so, but I've sort of lost that kind of independency. Just being able to step out side the front door by myself. You You do feel a bit you're being a bit of a burden with everyone. Headway services throughout the UK provide support, new social circles and a place to belong. I got comfortable here quite quickly.

Um so, it was it was really nice. I've made friends here. We talk about the the things that we've had. We talk about our past lives and how things have changed. And everyone also understands what you're going through because they've all had a brain injury. They've all got similar symptoms to you. Everyone here is very patient as well. And then they do activities with you. They have little trips as well. So if you're someone who doesn't go out much because of your condition, they're all sort of like aware of your condition. And if you tell them what to look out for, they will stay with you. Yeah, I don't know what I'd do if I didn't come here. When you lose your independence, we see you. Brain injury can leave you feeling lonely and invisible. But at Headway, we see you. We understand. Headway support services throughout the UK, on the phone, online, or in your community, are here for you. Help us ensure no one faces brain injury alone. Learn more at headway.org.uk.

Thank you.

Isolation after brain injury can be devastating. Plans get cancelled, messages go unanswered, invitations stop coming and, slowly, isolation settles in. Often unnoticed. Often unseen. Often lonely.

But here at Headway, we see that isolation, that loneliness.

We see people like Symra, who is sharing her experience as part of this year’s Action for Brain Injury (ABI) Week.

Law graduate Symra was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2020 during her post-graduate studies – and although her tumour is now removed, she’s been left with symptoms which have profoundly changed her ability to socialise. 

Living with a brain injury has affected her ability to maintain relationships – leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Symra said:

“I don’t speak to a lot of friends who I used to speak to- that is partly because they have their own lives and partly because we don’t meet each other as much either.”

“I was diagnosed during COVID and my immune system was weak, so I didn’t go out much.

“I have gradually gone out and done things over the years, but I have to make sure that someone is available to stay with me at all times, so I’ve lost that independence; just being able to step outside my front door by myself.

“You do feel like you’re being a bit of a burden on everyone.”

Symra’s experience reflects a much wider reality, as Headway UK survey results show that almost 90% of brain injury survivors (87%) and carers (85%) experience loneliness after brain injury, despite not feeling this way before.

Thankfully Symra found Headway North Staffordshire, where she enjoys socialising and taking part in activities and day trips alongside others.

“We talk about our injuries, our past lives and how things have changed”, she said.

“Everyone understands what you’re going through because they’ve all had a brain injury and got similar symptoms to you.

“I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t come here.”

If you know someone with a brain injury, and you haven’t seen them for a while, please pick up the phone or pop in and say hello. It will mean everything to them.

Latest survey results

To view the full results of our surveys, download the full report or a short-form summary to explore the results in more detail.

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