51. TBI Survivor Self-Worth + Cristabelle's Mental Health Journey
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In this episode…
How can the "invisible" injury affect our self worth? Survivors often don’t realize their own identity as separate from their brain injury. Living with symptoms for so long can take a toll on mental health. It's also easy to take in how other people view the "invisible" injury and let it negatively impact how we view ourselves. But you are more than your injury, and there is hope for improvement!
This week, Cristabelle Braden goes deeper into some lesser known pieces of her own story, candidly sharing some of the harder parts to talk about including mental health struggles, navigating social cues, abuse and trauma, and more.
You'll hear Dr. Jen Blanchette ask Cristabelle questions, as today's interview was originally aired on TBI Therapist podcast.
Things we discussed:
One thing that people often get wrong about brain injury is that energy levels can vary from day to day.
Survivors often don’t realize their own identity as separate from their brain injury.
“We can view ourselves as broken”
You are more than your injury, there is hope for improvement.
We talk about dysautonomia, check out Ep.12 on Dysautonomia with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe to learn more!
“Get a second opinion, third opinion, tenth opinion.”
Worth does not come from your brain injury.
We talk about relationships and how a brain injury can make you not trust your gut when something is off.
Cristabelle found that she was susceptible to abuse due to not trusting herself.
If you feel like something is wrong, it likely is, you may need help.
Here is information for anyone going through an abusive situation https://www.thehotline.org/.
Also anyone feeling depressed or having thoughts of death there is help https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ International resources https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
Meet Our Guest
Dr. Jen Blanchette is a Maine based licensed psychologist, trauma (PTSD) expert, fitness/yoga professional, and concussion clinician. She has over 10 years of training and experience in brain injury therapy and neuropsychological testing. Her superpower is curiosity and out of the box thinking to aid in finding new ways to thrive. She helps determined, ambitious brain injury survivors gain the tools and support they need to LIVE again. Dr. Blanchette is also the host of the TBI Therapist podcast, which discusses the intersections of meaning, mental and emotional wellness, and acquired brain injury.
Connect: @tbitherapist | tbitherapist.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.
