What does it mean to be a brain injury warrior?

To kick off the new year, here are some words of hope from 6 incredible survivors.

There is a trend to post highlights of the year on social media. But do you find that actually hard to do, or even see from others?

Living with brain injury, it is easy to feel discouraged from setbacks, or a recovery timeline you had in mind, or comparing to the "old you" and grieving the life before, as well as coping with symptoms on a daily basis. This week on Hope Survives | Brain Injury Podcast, Cristabelle discusses all of this, while also sharing some of her personal journey through TBI. 

Life is not a highlight reel. And that is okay. Let's talk about it!

Lisa is a fighter, living with both an invisible injury (TBI) and physical disability. She was born with Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain), contracted spinal meningitis as an infant, and has been an advocate for disabilities her entire life. Then, in 2011 she sustained a traumatic brain injury from an accident playing wheelchair basketball. 

This is an episode that is sure to inspire and encourage all who listen, as Lisa Pubantz eloquently shares her story of victory. She joins Cristabelle to discuss the tension between the invisible injury and the physical disability, how society treats people with disabilities, and how the TBI symptoms are often misunderstood.

Did you know that hormones can be affected by a brain injury? Hormonal imbalances can actually be a contributing factor to persistent symptoms, along with affecting sleep, stress response, and reproductive systems.

Today on Hope Survives | Brain Injury Podcast, Dr. Meaghan Kirschling is here to talk about some of these potential hormonal changes, and how it could potentially affect a brain injury survivor. We also discuss variables in age, differences between male and female, and sex drive.

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.

How do you realistically implement medical recommendations into your lifestyle?

Let's talk about it!

Today on Hope Survives | Brain Injury Podcast, Cristabelle is joined by Marlene Rivera, CBIS, to learn about how to develop a balanced life post-injury. We discuss some of the barriers that people might encounter, and also strategies such as how to communicate with medical professionals, the importance of a routine, prioritizing, and community.

The Holidays are upon us - and that can be overwhelming for brain injury survivors! In this episode, Cristabelle will walk us through some strategies and practical tips to manage symptoms and get the most out of your holiday gatherings.

Listen below or on your mobile device by subscribing on podcast platforms!