A brain injury can turn your entire life upside down in one day- and it’s so important to advocate for yourself in this “new normal.”

Calista Susa had a brain bleed at age 16, which led to hospital stays, brain surgeries, rehab, and facing a world of new challenges. On this episode, Cristabelle interviews Calista to share her journey of resilience: being a patient her entire life due to being born with achondroplasia, her journey through brain injury, returning to school with new accommodations, and now working in healthcare to help others! We also discuss how brain injury symptoms impact mental health, and how asking for help is actually a sign of strength. 

00:00 Introduction with Cristabelle

07:32 Calista’s Injury and Hospital/Rehab

15:42 Navigating School Life After a Brain Injury

17:50 The Importance of Self-Advocacy

21:23 Mental Health and Emotional Resilience

30:03 Resilience and Moving Forward

38:35 Words of Hope

Connect with Calista - IG: @calista.susa

CONNECT

Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ | @hopesurvives

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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.