38. Loss of Identity, Grieving the "Old Life," + How it Affects Families (with Cyndie Braden)

The “loss of identity” can be so hard to describe after a brain injury. On the one hand, you are still “you” - but you also don’t feel like yourself. There is also a grief that comes with losing the life you had before the injuries.

This week, Cristabelle dives deep into this struggle that survivors face and provides hope in knowing you are more than your brain injury. Then, Cristabelle’s mother Cyndie Braden is here to talk about the caregiver side. Loss of identity does not just affect the survivor, but also the family, as everything changes for them too. We also discuss what is like to grieve the “old life.” You are not alone.

NOTES

0:00 Intro

2:10 Cristabelle on Loss of Identity

10:48 Your Story is not Your Identity

19:31 Introducing Cyndie Braden (Cristabelle’s Mom)

24:41 Caregiver Loss of Identity

25:45 Grief Process

44:15 Words of Hope

Connect with Cyndie: @cyndiebraden | email: [email protected]

CONNECT

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | facebook.com/hopeafterheadinjury

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | facebook.com/cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

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: hopesurvivespodcast.com