In this discussion with Cynthia we both share this analogy of the 3D layered web for what brain injury feels like.

What that 3D layered web means, in my opinion, is that with brain injury your internal states have many brain injury problems that interconnect and influence one another and every moment of life. The layers are the different problems, the web is the interconnection. and it's 3D because it impacts so much of your internal states.

Cynthia explains this interconnected web as much as is possible, and she shares a great deal. For example what her brain injury problems were like, what "self care" looks like in terms of the importance of sleep, rest, proper diet, and exercise but of course this is "nervous system" care with brain injury. That distinction is pretty clear in this recording.

Cynthia explains her views on these factors and how self compassion and feeling her emotions when she needs to let that pressure out is a great perspective that can help others learn how to manage all the hardship that comes with brain injury.

Cynthia has a podcast called Moms With Concussion. She explains how she has learned to handle so much of brain injury as a single mother. I did an episode with her, we get into a lot of “unique” to brain injury topics. Here is a link to that discussion:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/navigating-the-complexities-of-brain-injury-with/id1728525928?i=1000729311455

Cynthia and I also discuss the evolution of brain injury and she explains, how she made effort to learn ways to manage and improve her concussion problems. That effort and concussion education is what helped shape her efforts to improve, it wasn’t just random that she got better, she had to work towards that goal.

This process that leads to improvement over time is something Cynthia lays out, and I agree with her strategies based on my experience. That is an important take away for anyone thinking about brain injury and what factors are important to help improve over time.

- - -

Experiencing My Brain is a podcast devoted to detailed discussion with brain injury survivors about their experiences, problems, and ways that they have found to navigate their lives. These stories are important to help the non brain injured world make sense of the problems that come with brain injury.

- - -

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions shared in this podcast should be looked at as the views of brain injury survivors and not as medical or clinical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care professional with any brain injury problem.