Friendships are a cornerstone of our lives, but what happens when a concussion changes how we connect with others?  In this episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, Bethany Lewis welcomes back Thea James, MSLP, a passionate advocate for brain injury awareness and a survivor of multiple concussions. With her warm and open-hearted approach, Thea offers invaluable insights into how concussions impact friendships—both old and new—and how to navigate these relationships with grace, vulnerability, and self-compassion.  Thea shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, advocating for needs, and finding joy in new kinds of relationships—including unexpected bonds with older neighbors. She also reflects on the importance of vulnerability, the pitfalls of people-pleasing, and how to show up authentically in friendships, even when capacity is limited. Whether you're a concussion survivor or someone supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with wisdom, hope, and real-life examples of how to nurture connections through the ups and downs of recovery.

Resources Mentioned:

• Thea’s Previous Episodes:

• Episode 52: Thea’s personal concussion journey

• Episode 66: Thea interviews Bethany about her work in the concussion space

• Bethany’s Concussion Coaching Program:

• Free consultation sign-up: www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Book Reference:

• The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown (mentioned in the context of deepening friendships)

• Key Takeaways:

• For Survivors: Set alarms (e.g., with a star emoji) to check in with your capacity during social interactions.

• For Friends/Family: Meet loved ones where they are—trust their needs (e.g., quieter environments) without requiring explanations.

• New Connections: Seek low-stimulus, consistent touchpoints (e.g., volunteering) to build friendships at your own pace.

Free Guide To Supporting Your Loved One With Concussion:

• www.theconcussioncoach.com

Contact Thea:

You can hear more from Thea on Instagram at YourBrainBFF  or email her at [email protected]

Final Thought: As Thea reminds us, friendship after brain injury might look different, but it can still be deeply fulfilling. Whether it’s embracing slower-paced connections or learning to ask for help, the journey is about honoring your limits while staying open to the love and support around you.

If you would like to sign up for a free concussion coaching consultation with me to learn how you can speed up your recovery and get your life back following a concussion, go to my website, www.theconcussioncoach.com, or click on this link: https://theconcussioncoach.com/contact