Episodes

  • Brain Trust with Mathew West-From TBI Survivor to Caretaker

    Brain Trust with Mathew West-From TBI Survivor to Caretaker
    Oct 2 2019
    Every once in a while, whether it is a spouse, a parent or a child, we go from patient to caregiver. It's not easy to make that switch for everyone and, not everyone who has a brain injury is able to do it. So, how do you do it? That is what we will find out on the next episode of Brain Trust where we will open up the phone lines for your experience on this topic, explore possible solutions to this type of situation and a ton of great music as well. Link to Centers for Independent Living locater page: https://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory-results/WA
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    1 hr and 55 mins
  • Brain Trust with Mathew West_My Family Wants to Help!

    Brain Trust with Mathew West_My Family Wants to Help!
    Sep 18 2019
    Family is a great support system for a Survivor of a Brain Injury. On this episode of Brain Trust we will be focusing on what the family can do to help, the resources available and what not to do. The begining of a succesful recovery begins with a solid support system. Tune in and get all of the latest infor and of course, GREAT MUSIC! https://www.brainline.org/topic/family-concerns
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    1 hr and 59 mins
  • Brain Trust with Mathew West-I think therefore I forget!

    Brain Trust with Mathew West-I think therefore I forget!
    Sep 4 2019
    I have tried to remember stuff only to frustrate myself into forgeting what I was trying to remember. I have problems following conversations. Sound familiar? These are thinking and cognitive symptoms that many of us have had issues with. They can show up immidiately after a head infury or several years later. We are going to talk about everything from attention and concentration to planning and organizing as well as some great music from great indi artists. link for the Survivor Summit 2020 in Las Vegas. https://www.facebook.com/events/175326666589402/
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    1 hr and 58 mins
  • Brain Trust with Mathew West_Advocate Yourself!

    Brain Trust with Mathew West_Advocate Yourself!
    Aug 21 2019
    The most important advocate for your brain injury is yourself! Whether it is in school, work, legal issues or with your doctor; only you know what you are going through. There are many resources out there to help us, we just need to find them. In this episode we will be exploring some of these tools and other ways that you can take advocacy of Brain Injury issues to the next level. There is a reason that we call Brain Injury the silent epidemic here on the Brain Injury Radio Network. Not a lot of people fully understand what to do with a brain injury whether it is their child, their patient or themselves. Here is how to help people understand.
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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • Brain Trust with Mathew West - School Daze

    Brain Trust with Mathew West - School Daze
    Aug 7 2019
    Welcome to the Brain Trust! I have an 11 year old daughter who is getting ready to go into Middle School. Now, she doesn't have a brain injury, but it got me to thinking; what if? I did try to go back to school before I realized I had an issue with my concussions. It's tough! Well, tonight we are going to look at the prospect of going back to school and some of the tools that can make this possibility a reality.
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    2 hrs
  • Brain Trust with Mathew West_Second Chance to live with Craig Phillips

    Brain Trust with Mathew West_Second Chance to live with Craig Phillips
    Jul 17 2019
    Welcome to the Brain Trust! Today we will be talking to Craig Phillips. Our subject tonight is bullying and how not to be the victim.
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    1 hr and 59 mins
  • Brain Trust with Mathew West___Depression

    Brain Trust with Mathew West___Depression
    Jul 3 2019
    Welcome my friends! Tonight I have to be a downer and talk about depression and it's relationship with brain injuries. I will show you how depression can be the result of a TBI and the various ways we can deal with depression. As always, I will be taking your calls, because without you, this isn't much of a Brain Trust :).
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    2 hrs
  • Brain Trust with Mathew West/Anxiety and Stress

    Brain Trust with Mathew West/Anxiety and Stress
    Jun 19 2019
    Brain Trust with Mathew West is the first and third Tuesday of every month. Anxiet and Stress are not only an issue with the general population but more especially with the Brain Injury Community. We take a look at each one, what the causes are and the treatments available. And, of course our experiances with them. So, feel free to call in during this episode and become part of the Brain Trust, 424-243-9540 How to work on anxiety in the moment! Physical: What are you feeling? Stomach pain, Pain in chest, sweaty, fidgity or restless, etc. Emotions: What emotion is attached to it? Fear is a given, but are you feeling anger, sad, etc. Thoughts: What thoughts were you thinking before, during and after the anxiety? All of this will help you identify the triggers for your anxiety so that you may know when they are coming ahead of time. The important thing is to journal them so that you can remember them better and share them with a therapist. The next step is to stay in the here and now, or moment. Practice mindfulness. When you are done going through P.E.T. focus on a picture of something simple (no people in the pictures) like a flower or tree. Or, focus on a cloud or a leaf nearby. What color is it? Can you see the individual veins in the petals or leaves? What shape is it? Start to focus on sensations like the breeze against your skin, the sounds that are near you like kids playing, or a bird chirping nearby. Take deep controled breaths and reasure yourself that you are safe. The trigger for your anxiety is not in this reality. I hope this helps folks. Thanks for tuning in.
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    2 hrs