Today we are talking about what it means to be determined and stay motivated on our journey through brain injury!

First, Cristabelle will share some encouragement from her own journey with brain injury, and how staying determined doesn’t always mean pushing through. It’s so important to be kind to yourself!

Next, Steven Thompson will share about his decades long journey through brain injury and how he continued to stay determined to achieve his goals.

Finally, Shane Warner will share his story through TBI, how he stayed motivated, and how the mindset he learned from being in the National Guard helped him in his recovery journey. Shane is also the host of his own podcast called IronWill which you can find here: https://ironwill.us/the-podcast/ (Hear Cristabelle’s interview with IronWill on Episode 46!)

Dysautonomia (dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system) can often occur with brain injury and concussions.

Let's learn: What is dysautonomia? How is it related to brain injury and concussions? How do you know if you have it? How is it treated?

Today, Dr. Jeremy Schmoe is back for a follow-up on last week’s episode on the vestibular system, to dig even further into some of the ways that autonomics can be affected by brain injury.

The vestibular system can be impacted by brain injury. Let's learn: What is the vestibular system? How does it affect brain injury survivors? What symptoms can be caused by dysfunction of this system? Today, Dr. Jeremy Schmoe is here to answer these questions and so much more.

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.

The journey of living with brain injury comes with ups and downs. How do we combat fear? What is the difference between a symptom flare and a re-injury?

Today, you will hear from two guests:

- Survivor Perspective: Ali Rheaume has been living with a TBI for 5 years, and just sustained a re-injury concussion a few months ago. She shares some of her journey and tips for dealing with re-injuries, along with encouragement on how to combat fear.

- Professional Perspective: Natasha Wilch is here to share some of the medical reasons that survivors might fall or hit their heads more often, advice for how to prevent re-injuries, the difference between a new injury and a flare-up, and more.

Setbacks might happen, but we can get through them. I hope this episode provides some encouragement and hope that healing is possible. You are not alone! -Cristabelle

There are many different options to help survivors to grow in independence.

Did you know there are residential programs for brain injury that are different from the inpatient hospital setting? In fact, Success Rehab is just one example of what a community living program can look like. They provide post-acute rehabilitation for both residential and outpatients, but also do so much more to empower brain injury survivors to grow in confidence, find employment, and simply enjoy life!

Did you know that the foods we eat can have a huge impact on improvement and healing after a brain injury?

Today, nutrition expert Brigid Titgemeier (@beingbrigid) is here to share all about the relationship between food and brain health. Specifically, we are going to be talking about the brain/gut connection, how the food we eat can actually help to improve brain injury symptoms, and some simple meal ideas and tips on how to incorporate brain healthy foods into your routine.

Simply put… life is different after brain injury. So what is it like adjusting and adapting to living with symptoms and everything else that comes with having a brain injury? Today you’ll hear from two survivors sharing their stories, and how they have been learning to live in the “new normal”.

My hope is that this episode brings you some encouragement that you are not alone and provides some tips that you might be able to apply to your own journey.