This week’s podcast episode just dropped and it’s a good one.
I wanted to share a couple of tips that Natasha Wilch shared in our interview.
She was a teenager when her father experienced a traumatic brain injury, and it rocked her world and her family.
Listen in (link below) to hear the details, but here are a couple of thoughts that emerged from the conversation that I’d like to highlight:
• If your family has been impacted by one member of it experiencing long-term concussion symptoms, talk about it. Don’t bury feelings or just try dealing with it yourself – bring people together, and give everyone a chance to express what they’re struggling with. If you need to bring in a coach or therapist to help navigate that discussion, do it, but have the conversation. – kids might not understand that everyone is impacted by this, and may not know how to process the changes in the family dynamics that they’re experiencing.
• Be there. If you’re the parent who has been impacted by head injury and feel the loss of decreased capacity and ability to fulfill the roles you’re used to playing, please know that just your presence can be helpful to your loved ones. I know that sometimes being in their presence can be overstimulating and challenging for you, so take the time and space you need as well, but don’t feel like you have to do all the things for everyone – sometimes just sitting on the couch together, or reading a book in bed with them, or listening to them tell you about their day is all they need.
• This may seem impossible to believe, but Natasha’s story is a beautiful example of its truthfulness: good things can come from this. It’s ok if you have a hard time believing that, or if you can’t really see at all what kinds of good might come down the road… but try putting some trust/hope/faith in the idea that this could be true for you in your situation. There can be beauty from ashes.
• Don’t put off getting help. Reach out to a concussion specialist if you’re dealing with long-term symptoms. They will understand the complexities of this injury and the varied ways it impacts your life, and can help educate you and your loved ones about what is happening. And if you’re looking for someone to help you navigate the overall journey, please book your free consultation with me – I love helping people find the right physical care they need, as well as making sure they have the tools they need to manage their nervous system and the mental, emotional, and social challenges that arise as part of this injury. https://bethanylewisteamworff642.myclickfunnels.com/free-consultation
If you’re on this journey yourself, or as the parent, child, spouse, or loved one of someone with a head injury, please know you’re not alone, and that there are things that can help you and your family as you all experience this roller coaster together.