Finding Peace in the Uncertainty of Post-Concussion (with Tara L. Banks)

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In this episode…

Living with post-concussion syndrome often means navigating a disorienting loss of identity, unpredictable symptoms, and the frustration of feeling like a stranger to yourself. When a good day is suddenly followed by an overwhelming crash, the uncertainty of recovery can make finding a clear path forward feel impossible. Today, we are exploring how to navigate the emotional and physical toll of lingering symptoms, adapt to an invisible injury, and discover true peace in the midst of life's chaos.

Today, host Cristabelle Braden interviews author and speaker Tara L. Banks, who candidly shares her personal experience recovering from multiple concussions. Listen as Tara opens up about grappling with a shifted sense of self, managing light and sound sensitivity, dizziness, and brain fog, and learning to advocate for herself when her struggles aren't visible to others. We also discuss redefining victory through the "little wins" of daily life, leaning on faith and supportive community, and cultivating internal peace when external circumstances remain uncertain.

We also feature a spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center on hope for post-concussion syndrome. Dr. Schmoe shares the importance of looking beyond traditional rehab to explore blood chemistry, gut health, neuro-inflammation, and supporting the brain's glymphatic system.

🧠 In this episode:

  • Navigating the deep sense of losing your identity and feeling disconnected from yourself after a concussion.

  • Managing unpredictable day-to-day symptoms, light and sound sensitivity, and "invisible" recovery struggles.

  • Learning self-advocacy and extending patience toward loved ones who may not fully understand post-concussion syndrome.

  • Redefining resilience, embracing vulnerability, and celebrating the "small victories" in daily healing.

  • Finding peace through faith and community support.

Meet Our Guest

Tara L. Banks

After writing in secret for 15 years, Tara L. Banks felt prompted to develop her work into a book. The very next day, she accidentally lost every word she’d ever written. Refusing to give up, she realized that God was guiding her to write about the lessons she needed to learn from moments like that. From that experience, her debut book, Waiting On Wonders, was born. Two years later, Tara wrote Finding Everyday Fruit, believing that the fruit of the Spirit is not only discovered in everyday moments but also developed in our lives as a result. Her most recent release, The Launch, an ebook, is available exclusively on Amazon and is a heartfelt chronicle of learning to navigate graduation, changing seasons, and the empty nest. 

When she’s not writing, Tara can be found sharing her experiences through speaking and coaching worship teams, having served for over 20 years as a Worship Pastor at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina. She’s married to her college sweetheart, Greg, and they have two sons-of-thunder, Ethan and Brody, plus a daughter-in-love, Lydia. When she’s not tinkering with her ‘73 CJ-5 Jeep or dreaming of Hawaii, you will likely find her waiting on wonders and searching for the fruit of the Spirit in everyday life.

Connect: taralbanks.com


Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring our podcast and programs. The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. When you trust your brain to the team at The Functional Neurology Center, they take the time to get to know the whole you so they can personalize your recovery program for your unique and complex condition. There is hope for a better tomorrow and the FNC is committed to helping you get back to what matters most. 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.

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How the 6 Pillars of Brain Health Transform TBI Recovery (with Luke Bohnenberger)