Emotional responses after brain injury can come in extremes - highs, lows, outbursts - or just feeling "blank" or nothing at all. Survivors also could have a hard time expressing their emotions and verbalizing it. Emotions also affect our identity, how we view ourselves, and directly impact our relationships.

Today, Cristabelle leads us through all of this, sharing some personal examples along with encouragement for listeners.

How do you handle emotions after brain injury? What are some ways to help? Let's talk about it!

This week on Hope Survives | Brain Injury Podcast, Cristabelle is joined by Rebecca Quinn & Carly Endres from the North Dakota Brain Injury Network for a conversation about emotional dysregulation as it relates to brain injury. We cover some common "tells" including outbursts and overstimulation, the cognitive behavioral spiral, the importance of mindfulness, and encouragement for both caregivers and survivors.

Emotional changes after brain injury are common. The way that the brain is physically affected can cause changes in emotional response. Also, dealing with a major life change can lead to complicated feelings and trauma responses. If you have experienced a wide range of confusing emotions, know that you are not alone!

Today, Dr. Ann Marie McLaughlin joins Cristabelle to share her expertise. Let’s talk about some of the ways that emotional changes affect survivors, common root causes, and some coping strategies and tips on how to work through the complex emotions that can happen after brain injury.