Navigating life after TBI and ADF transition

Hello everyone,

I'm new here and hoping to connect with other families who may have had similar experiences.

My 25-year-old son sustained a traumatic brain injury in December 2022 and is currently medically discharging from the Royal Australian Navy.

When he first returned to the Navy after rehabilitation, I only noticed occasional changes and assumed he was being well supported. Around a year ago, I relocated from Queensland to Western Australia so that we could share a home after he decided to move off base. Since then, I have gained a much greater understanding of the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury and the impact it can have on family life.

We are also navigating the transition from military service to civilian life. At present, my son works one day a week while his medical discharge is being finalised, and we are both hoping he will be able to secure and maintain full-time employment. Like many families, we are aware that civilian life brings different financial realities, and this transition has added another layer of uncertainty.

One of the most difficult aspects has been the behavioural changes. At times, particularly if alcohol is involved, he can become very angry and fixate on events from his childhood. He will ask me to confirm memories that I genuinely do not remember, and if I say I don't remember, he can interpret that as me denying his experience. It leaves me wondering how best to respond while remaining honest.

I'm not looking to assign blame or question my son's experiences. I'm simply hoping to hear from others who have supported an adult child, partner or family member following a traumatic brain injury.

Have others experienced similar changes in behaviour?

How do you respond when someone expects you to validate memories that you genuinely don't share?

Have you found any strategies that help de-escalate these situations, particularly when alcohol has played a part?

Finally, does anyone know of any face-to-face support groups in Western Australia for parents or family members of adults living with traumatic brain injury? I've been searching without much success.

Thank you for reading. I would really appreciate hearing from others with lived experience.