101 Tips for Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury: Practical Advice for TBI Survivors, Caregivers, and Teachers

by Kelly Bouldin Darmofal

Kelly Bouldin Darmofal suffered a severe TBI in 1992; currently she holds a Masters in Special Education from Salem College, NC. Her memoir Lost In My Recovering From Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) tells her story of tragedy and triumph. Kelly will be teaching " An Overview for Educators" at Salem College. Kelly's "tips" were learned during two decades of recovery and perseverance; they Those who suffer from TBI should benefit from Kelly Darmofal's advice. She speaks often of the value of a sense of humor in dealing with TBI symptoms and quotes Viktor Frankl who believed that humor was one of the "...soul's weapons in the fight for self preservation." I strongly recommend her work.
--Dr. George E. Naff, NCC, LPC, Diplomate in Logotherapy

Kelly is a wonderful resource about TBI for survivors, caregivers, teachers, and the entire community. The wisdom gained from her own experience makes her believable; the frankness and sense of humor that she reveals as she writes makes her authentic... Kelly and her publications have become a trusted resource for our clients who are surviving from a TBI.
--Barbara Saulpaugh, Regional Executive Director, CareNet Counseling, an affiliate of Wake Forest Baptist Health

Learn more at www.ImLostInMyMind.com
From Loving Healing Press www.LHPress.com

46 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2015

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I bought this book, I was glad to see it had a section for advice for teachers. I didn't realize at the time that the author shared a profession and a hometown with me! I am glad to have this book in my library of resources going forward as I support children with TBI and their teachers in school, and I was very pleased to see recommended reading at the end so that I can continue my own education in TBI!

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, direct, and helpful, this instruction book provides tips for survivors, caregivers, and teachers. In my estimation, this serves not so much as a "how to" with exact promises as it presents different perspectives and considerations. As a survivor of a related brain injury, I greatly appreciated learning of what my family, friends, and teachers (in non-traditional teaching roles such as counselors, therapists, and so on) face. Going on three years of survival, I'm still weaving together a new mindset, revisited relationships, and challenging roles; I've always try to consider the perspectives of others, and this book helps tremendously.

Though this is not difficult to read, I recommend that you take time and read bit by bit. (Also, see note at the end of this review.) Consider the tips not as a long list but as opening prompts for conversations. Better yet, write about what you discover. If you are able to discuss your insights with another, use these prompts and your writing to advance group dynamics. We're in a unique time because we are learning so much about the human brain, and so many more of us have survived because of medical advances. We have unique challenges now as we learn to keep up with these advances. Two or three decades ago, these discoveries and discussions might not have been possible.

* * * Added reading / research: I read this along with _Coping with Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Guide to Living with the Challenges Associated with Post Concussion Syndrome and Brain Trauma_ by Diane Roberts Stoler, Barbara Albers Hill I rated this 5 stars. This additional book is much longer, but it also provides important information about how to address healing with brain issues. The first, shorter, book will travel well in briefcases, purses, or a stack you carry regularly. The second, longer, book can be an ongoing resource. Look: I've come to realize and accept that my own life has changed forever because of a brain aneurysm. I'm now looking for resources to help me learn to make those changes meaningful. Both of these books have helped me with this. I hope you find similar opportunities and resources.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a useful book by a woman with a Traumatic Brain Injury. She gives hints for victims of TBI, for relatives and caretakers, and for teachers of students with TBI.

[S.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take the tips that resonate with you and feel helpful, leave the rest. Revisit them as progress and healing is made.

[Samantha Tully · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had three TBI and I found this book very helpful. I should get my husband to read this one.