106. Identity Shifts after Brain Injury + Ways to Find Yourself Again (with Bethany Lewis, OT)
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In this episode…
Sense of self is often affected after brain injury - you just don’t feel like “you” anymore. This happens for both survivors and family members, and today we are exploring these identity shifts, and how to find yourself again even in the midst of brain injury recovery.
In this episode, Cristabelle is joined by Bethany Lewis, a Neurological Occupational Therapist passionate about combining occupational therapy, brain health, and mental and emotional well being, to explore the profound impact of brain injuries on identity. Let’s dig into why these identity shifts may happen, what could be going on beneath the surface, and how to move forward with a renewed sense of identity post brain injury - both for survivors and their loved ones.
It's okay to feel lost and to take time to rediscover yourself. Embracing the messiness of life is part of the human experience. Finding identity post-injury is a journey that requires intentionality, and it’s a process that you can work a little towards each day.
FREE Resources available for Instant Download:
Family Identity after Injury: When One of Us is Injured, All of Us are Changed
Journaling Prompts for Survivors: Exploring Identity after Brain Injury
See all of our available resources: https://hopesurvives.org/resource-hub
Main Takeaways
The concept of identity is foundational to our sense of self and mental well-being.
Brain injuries can rapidly alter one's identity in unexpected ways.
Emotional and mental health are crucial in recovery.
Family dynamics are affected by brain injury, and the family’s identity shifts.
Grieving the loss of identity is a natural process.
Self-worth is often tied to what we can do, and when that changes, it’s hard to process.
Coping strategies are essential for both survivors and families.
Awareness of unmet needs is important for caregivers.
Resilience can emerge from the challenges of recovery.
Survivors often feel defined by their brain injury due to the impact on their daily lives.
Language matters; separating oneself from the diagnosis can be empowering.
Finding identity post-injury is a journey that requires intentionality, and it’s a process that you can work a little towards each day.
It's okay to feel lost and to take time to rediscover oneself.
Self-compassion is crucial for both survivors and their caregivers.
Journaling can help individuals explore their identity and feelings.
Faith or belief in a higher power can provide comfort and guidance.
It's essential to allow loved ones to have their own experiences without trying to change them.
Embracing the messiness of life is part of the human experience.
Meet Our Guest
Bethany Lewis is a neurological occupational therapist, certified life coach, wife, and mother of six. She has combined her passions of occupational therapy, brain health, and mental and emotional wellbeing into a concussion coaching program that helps people suffering from Post Concussion Symptoms and their caregivers to navigate recovery and gain control over their lives again. She, too, has a podcast aimed at bringing light, understanding, and hope to people dealing with continuing symptoms of concussions. She loves her faith, spending time with family and friends, snuggling babies, being in the mountains, and nerding out over anything to do with the brain.
Connect on IG: @the_concussion_coach
Website: theconcussioncoach.com
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.
