Blossoming Into Disability Culture Following Traumatic Brain Injury: The Lotus Arising

This book tells the author's story of her ten-year journey of recovery and identity transformation from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Dr. Dee is a survivor who regained the ability to articulate what many TBI survivors cannot, and this powerful account, provided in real-time, portrays the many seemingly unrelatable symptoms of brain injury and subsequent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She lost her ability to read and write and had a severe speech impediment and impaired memory. The author goes through a rocky road of changes in her relationships and reidentification of herself as she finds her life coach, re-learns to read and write, and deals with mental health issues that felt like the end of her recovery. The final trek reveals hope and posttraumatic growth (PTG) and showcases the value of Disability Culture as a source of pride.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book is a captivating account of the author's ten-year journey of recovery and identity transformation from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Dr. Dee, a remarkable survivor, has regained the ability to articulate the often-unspoken experiences of TBI survivors, including the myriad of seemingly unrelated symptoms that can arise from brain injury and the subsequent development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through her powerful and real-time narrative, Dr. Dee vividly portrays how events pushed her beyond her limits, leading to life-altering learning experiences that ultimately helped her to find her way forward.

The journey of recovery described in the book spans four significant periods. The road begins with the loss of much of who the author once was. Diagnoses and evolving symptoms reveal the broken pathway she has traversed. The author embarks on a challenging journey of changes in her relationships, re-learning essential skills such as reading and writing, and navigating the mental health challenges that seemed to threaten her recovery.

Despite the obstacles she faced, Dr. Dee perseveres, finding solace and guidance in her life coach. With unwavering determination, she re-establishes her connection with language and learning, gradually rebuilding her identity and reclaiming a sense of self. The final leg of her trek brings forth hope and the remarkable phenomenon of posttraumatic growth (PTG). It showcases the value of Disability Culture as a source of pride and empowerment, highlighting the resilience and strength of those who have faced adversity.

This book is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human mind and body. It offers valuable insights and support to fellow TBI survivors, their caretakers, families, and friends, as well as professionals in the neurorehabilitation field. It sheds light on the daunting changes that can occur after a TBI and provides hope for all who are navigating this challenging path. Through Dr. Dee's unwavering determination and resilience, this story serves as a source of inspiration and empowerment, reminding us that we have the power to overcome adversity and rebuild our lives.

Weight: 571g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032550046