This year’s ABI Week campaign, ‘On a Good Day’, highlights the daily triumphs, challenges, and resilience of those living with acquired brain injuries and aims to foster vital community awareness and support.

Life after brain injury isn’t straightforward. The challenges someone faces can shift dramatically from one day to the next, sometimes even hour to hour.

Some days feel manageable, almost like life before. But other days can bring overwhelming fatigue, persistent headaches, unexpected mood changes, or difficulties with thinking and memory. These fluctuating symptoms can leave people feeling disconnected from their usual routines and relationships.

It’s natural to focus on someone’s better days, when they seem most like themselves. But this can mean missing the full picture of what life with brain injury really looks like. The unpredictable nature of symptoms makes everyday planning challenging and can feel isolating.

So we’re sharing both sides of the story.

See both sides of brain injury

We want people to understand how varied these experiences can be, and how differently someone might feel from one day to the next.

With this campaign, we’re asking you to see both sides of brain injury. To approach each interaction with compassion and understanding.

Be patient when fatigue makes everything harder and behaviour seems different.

Be flexible when plans need to change suddenly, because some days the world feels too overwhelming.

And be there, on the good days and the challenging ones alike.

Everyone’s journey with brain injury is unique, but no one should face it alone.

At the heart of this year’s campaign is the report sharing Headway UK’s latest survey results

The surveys were designed to gather experiences from brain injury survivors and their carers on the fluctuating nature of brain injury. By fluctuating, we mean that the effects of brain injury are not the same every day. They may be ‘better’ on some days and ‘worse’ on others.

Managing the Challenging Days

When you’re having a tough day, these gentle approaches can help you feel more supported and in control:

Connect with others – You don’t have to face difficult days alone. Reach out to friends, family, or anyone who understands your experience. Sometimes just talking about how you’re feeling can make a real difference. Contact the Headway UK Helpline on 0808 800 22 44, get in touch with us at our centre in Nottingham at sayhello@headwaynottingham.org.uk or on 0115 9679669, or reach out to the Headway online community on Health Unlocked, whenever you need them.

Work with your energy levels – Learning to manage fatigue and other effects of brain injury becomes easier with time and practice. Understanding your own patterns can help you plan your days more effectively.

Prioritise good sleep – Quality rest can make such a difference to how you feel. Simple changes to your bedtime routine and sleep environment can help.

Communicate your needs – If you need some quiet time or space, it’s perfectly okay to let people know. When you explain this respectfully, others can better understand and support you. Your Headway Brain Injury Identity Card can help start these conversations if that feels useful.

Focus on what matters to you – Even on challenging days, small, meaningful activities can lift your spirits. Whether it’s something creative, practical, or just enjoyable, do what feels right for you in that moment.

Spend time in nature – Fresh air, greenery, or even just watching the world go by from your window can be surprisingly restorative. Our webinar explores how connecting with nature can support your wellbeing after brain injury.

Remember your progress – Difficult days can feel overwhelming, but try to keep sight of how much you’ve already accomplished. Your recovery journey, however it looks, is something to acknowledge and celebrate.

Give yourself permission to slow down – Some days simply call for a gentler pace. That’s not giving up – it’s listening to what you need and taking care of yourself accordingly.