As I have now shared over well over 100 articles about my brain injury journey, there is something I have noticed about the survivors community.  As we all go through the terrifying confusion of what has happened to us, we activity search for information. That could be to gain an understanding of what is happening to us, suggestions on what helps, or to just know you’re not the only one. In Not alone after Brain Injury, I mentioned how social media can offer much needed support.  But as I use Pinterest more now, I have come to understand what a major role it plays in this too.

The most beautiful search engine.

“Google it” has become a well used phrase. Recognised as meaning to search the internet for the answer as it is the most popular search engine. It is a fantastic resource, and has put answers at our fingertips.  But as I explained in Aphasia from brain injury, it becomes more difficult when you don’t know what to type in.

In steps Pinterest! Like Google it ranks it’s articles, but it does this based on their popularity. (Amongst other things.) But unlike Google, you don’t always have to type in something to find things of interest. Of course you can if you want to, but there is another way.

Like Facebook you can follow individuals or groups boards. This then populates your main feed with their activity. As everyone can categorise their pins (as articles are known on Pinterest) you can choose which of their categories you do or don’t see.  Or you can search through their boards to see what they’ve pinned previously. No struggling with thinking of the right word, or it’s spelling. You can just scroll though the pins, which like magazine covers, are pictures with a hint as to their content.

How I’m using Pinterest to help others.

As being able to read about others experiences of brain injury helps the community, I have started a group board for brain injury bloggers. They can pin their gems to the board, so in time it will become a “one stop shop” for survivors stories. It helps them find their audience, and you find inspiring articles.  To check it out just click on the image below and it will take you straight there.