Living with post-concussion syndrome often means navigating a disorienting loss of identity, unpredictable symptoms, and the frustration of feeling like a stranger to yourself. When a good day is suddenly followed by an overwhelming crash, the uncertainty of recovery can make finding a clear path forward feel impossible. Today, we are exploring how to navigate the emotional and physical toll of lingering symptoms, adapt to an invisible injury, and discover true peace in the midst of life's chaos.
Today, host Cristabelle Braden interviews author and speaker Tara L. Banks, who candidly shares her personal experience recovering from multiple concussions. Listen as Tara opens up about grappling with a shifted sense of self, managing light and sound sensitivity, dizziness, and brain fog, and learning to advocate for herself when her struggles aren't visible to others. We also discuss redefining victory through the "little wins" of daily life, leaning on faith and supportive community, and cultivating internal peace when external circumstances remain uncertain.
We also feature a spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center on hope for post-concussion syndrome. Dr. Schmoe shares the importance of looking beyond traditional rehab to explore blood chemistry, gut health, neuro-inflammation, and supporting the brain's glymphatic system.
🧠 In this episode:
- Navigating the deep sense of losing your identity and feeling disconnected from yourself after a concussion.
- Managing unpredictable day-to-day symptoms, light and sound sensitivity, and "invisible" recovery struggles.
- Learning self-advocacy and extending patience toward loved ones who may not fully understand post-concussion syndrome.
- Redefining resilience, embracing vulnerability, and celebrating the "small victories" in daily healing.
- Finding peace through faith and community support.
The Hope Collective: read and share reflections on life after brain injury: hopesurvives.org/thehopecollective
CONNECT
Follow @hopesurvives
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Join a support group at hopesurvives.org/community
Reach out to us anytime: [email protected]
Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com
Connect with Tara:.taralbanks.com
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Sponsor
Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more: thefnc.com
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0:00 Intro
2:05 Welcome with Cristabelle
4:24 Hope for PCS - Spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe
8:26 Tara’s Concussion Story
15:14 “Looking Fine” - Not Feeling Fine
20:18 Finding Peace in Post-Concussion
23:25 Sense of Self & Not Giving Up
31:10 Finding Everyday Fruit - Tara’s Book
32:22 Words of Hope
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Disclaimer
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: hopesurvives.org/podcast
