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Home » Loss of Identity after Brain Injury, Grieving the "Old Life," + How it Affects Families

Loss of Identity after Brain Injury, Grieving the "Old Life," + How it Affects Families

January 28, 2022 by Cristabelle Braden 1 Comment

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 on Hope Survives® | Brain Injury Podcast, 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.

Listen below or on your mobile device by subscribing on podcast platforms!

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EPISODE 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

MEET OUR GUEST:

Cyndie Braden has over 20 years experience teaching and developing educational curriculum, and she holds a Master of Science. After being thrown into the world of brain injury by her daughter’s injury, Cyndie has been passionately learning about brain injury research and finding resources while supporting the brain injury survivors and families. She has been invited to speak at brain injury conferences and events. She also has advocated with the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania at the State Capitol in Harrisburg and in Washington D.C. and works alongside her daughter Cristabelle to support the community of Hope After Head Injury.

Connect with Cyndie on instagram: @cyndiebraden

ABOUT CRISTABELLE:

Cristabelle Braden is an award winning singer/songwriter, keynote speaker, podcast host, brain injury survivor & advocate.

@cristabellebraden | facebook.com/cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

About This Podcast

Have you or a loved one experienced a traumatic brain injury, stroke, concussion, or ABI? This podcast is for you. Sharing hope, support, and education for brain injury survivors, caregivers, and families. Hosted by award-winning TBI survivor, advocate, and singer/songwriter Cristabelle Braden, this is an uplifting podcast to bring hope to your darkest days. Subscribe and stay tuned for messages of encouragement, interviews with professionals, and survivor stories.

Connect on Social Media: @hopeafterheadinjury | facebook.com/hopeafterheadinjury

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

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.

« Identity after Injuries (Cali's Story)
Applying Creativity to Brain Injury Recovery (with Ali Rheaume) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Robin C Saunders

    February 04, 2022 at 9:51 pm

    It was like spending time with a friend and learning more about you all at the same time. Thanks for what you are doing to bring hope to others. From the outside no one would ever imagine what you have all been through. It reminds me to never assume I know what anyone has or is going through. I've shared this on my FB blog page and will be sharing it directly with my friend who's daughter has just recently made it through another round of therapy from her most recent concussion. She already knows about your story and your willingness to listen to her journey. But this makes it really convenient for her to hear your story and feel not so all alone. And wow, Crista, you have overcome and come so far from that first brain injury. Praising God for His healing hand in your life!

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