Sense of self is often affected after brain injury - you just don’t feel like “you” anymore. This happens for both survivors and family members, and today we are exploring these identity shifts, and how to find yourself again even in the midst of brain injury recovery.

In this episode, Cristabelle is joined by Bethany Lewis, a Neurological Occupational Therapist passionate about combining occupational therapy, brain health, and mental and emotional well being, to explore the profound impact of brain injuries on identity. Let’s dig into why these identity shifts may happen, what could be going on beneath the surface, and how to move forward with a renewed sense of identity post brain injury - both for survivors and their loved ones.

It's okay to feel lost and to take time to rediscover yourself.  Embracing the messiness of life is part of the human experience. Finding identity post-injury is a journey that requires intentionality, and it’s a process that you can work a little towards each day.

*** FREE Identity Resources available for Instant Download:

• Family Identity after Injury: When One of Us is Injured, All of Us are Changed
• Journaling Prompts for Survivors: Exploring Identity after Brain Injury

CLICK HERE: https://hopesurvives.org/resource-hub

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CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives | ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠

Reach out to us anytime: [email protected] + connect with our global online community & zoom groups: ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Bethany - neurological occupational therapist and certified life coach - and check out her podcast:  @the_concussion_coach |  theconcussioncoach.com

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠ 

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0:00 Intro

2:20 Welcome with Cristabelle

9:30 Introducing Bethany Lewis

14:15 Why talk about Identity and Brain Injury?

17:30 Describing Identity Shifts

26:30 When You Don’t Feel Like “You”

30:45 Help for Family Members

39:50 Feeling Defined by Injury

42:40 The Power of Language and Self-Perception

51:30 Tools for Reconnecting with Identity

57:15 Tools for Loved Ones to Help Survivors

60:00 Words of Hope

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Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

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. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠