104. Ambiguous Loss & Grief Processing - Brain Injury Community Panel
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In this episode…
A brain injury can bring unexpected changes in identity, abilities, and relationships… and when things feel different, grief is a natural response. Today, we are exploring the concept of “ambiguous loss” - a type of loss that remains unclear, unresolved, or without closure - with our first Brain Injury Community Panel.
Today’s panel features 3 brain injury survivors, each with their own unique journey: Helena Jacobson, Stefanie Beeney, and Scott Tribble. Our conversation will help you to learn more about the concept of ambiguous loss, the impact on identity and social relationships for survivors, and tools to help navigate grief and move toward healing.
You do not have to process this alone: if you can relate to any of this, we are here for you. We invite you to join our online support groups, and feel free to reach out any time at hi@hopesurvives.org.
We also have some grief processing resources available for both survivors and for family members at our Resource Hub.
Meet Our Panelists
Helena is a brain injury survivor, mental health advocate, and founder of a support group for people navigating post-concussion symptoms (PCS). With a background in somatic psychology, holistic healing, and mental health work, she has always been passionate about supporting others through challenge and change. From teaching yoga and studying abroad to leading teams and advocating for survivors on Capitol Hill, she is driven by a love of service, resilience, and helping others find strength in their stories. You can find her sharing her journey on Instagram at @healingwithhelz.
Stefanie is a dedicated advocate for resilience and emotional well-being, inspiring others through her lived experiences. By sharing her journey with brain injury, ambiguous loss, and invisible disabilities, she fosters understanding and personal growth. Believing in the power of continuous personal evolution, Stefanie actively connects with her community on Instagram at @Evolving.Stef.
Scott has been living with traumatic brain injury since January 2023. This injury has led to difficulties with simple daily tasks, including processing information, managing light sensitivity, and coping with post-traumatic seizures. He also faces the added complexity of dysautonomia, a condition that affects his body’s ability to regulate automatic functions like heart rate and blood pressure. These ongoing challenges significantly impact his daily life, but Scott remains determined to face them with faith and resilience. Scott is the founder of “To Live For Christ” ministry, where he already shares encouraging content. His mission is to inspire others who are facing similar difficulties, offering them hope and encouragement through his journey of healing.
Main Takeaways
Ambiguous loss is grieving something that's not clearly gone, and is a natural part of the brain injury journey.
Brain injuries can lead to significant changes in identity and self-perception.
It's important to allow yourself to feel and acknowledge the loss, and acknowledging the full range of emotions is essential for healing.
Coping strategies vary for each individual and should be personalized; find what resonates most with you.
Celebrating the small wins can help maintain motivation.
Recovery is not a linear process; setbacks are normal.
Humor can help lighten the burden of grief.
Community support is crucial: connecting with others who understand and can relate to brain injury will make all the difference in your healing journey.
Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: thefnc.com
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.
