Coming to terms with a brain injury

In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath take a deep dive into what it means to come to terms with a brain injury — and how the process of acceptance isn’t always straightforward.

They reflect on the emotional and psychological impact of recovery, the reality check that often hits after hospital discharge, and the frustrations of an invisible injury that doesn’t follow a predictable timeline. From confronting fatigue and depression to redefining identity and finding purpose again, Brooke shares openly about the ups and downs of rebuilding life after trauma.

They explore:

• Why hospital recovery can be misleading
• The emotional crash that often follows discharge
• Dealing with unrealistic timelines like the “three-year recovery” myth
• How public speaking and small wins helped Brooke move forward
• Reframing expectations around work, identity and independence
• The importance of encouragement, patience and focusing on what’s possible

Whether you’re navigating your own recovery or supporting someone through theirs, this episode offers powerful insights into resilience, identity and the long journey toward self-acceptance.

Chapter Markers

00:00 - Introduction: Coming to Terms with Brain Injury 05:07 - Recovery Timelines and the “Three-Year” Myth 11:35 - Work, Fatigue and Adjusting Expectations

Resources:

• Episode six - Coming to terms with a brain injury - Information Sheet

Helpful links:

• Denial after a brain injury – struggling to come to terms with my brain injury (blog by Brooke)

For a transcript, follow the link below:

• Episode 6: Transcript

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Notice:

Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.