Support Bethany's Neurofeedback Treatment

Hello,

It can be so hard to be vulnerable and share what has been happening. I’m thankful that Bethany opened up and shared below what has been going on. Thank you for taking the time to read and support Bethany!

Love,

Rachelle

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Hi all! 

With some encouragement from friends, I’m making this public on social. I’ve started treatment for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) using neurofeedback, and I am asking for help. If you know me, you know how hard that is to do.

I sustained a severe TBI a little over 20 years ago that never healed, and was then compounded by multiple concussions, including one last summer. I’ve dealt with post-concussive syndrome ever since, but the symptoms were misdiagnosed at the time, so there was no treatment. To cope, my brain had overcompensated for the damage, working extra hard and pushing to the limit. Over the last 6 months, my brain reached its max ability to cope and I started noticing cognitive decline, irritability, massive angry outbursts, insomnia, memory loss, and increased depression and anxiety. I have struggled doing my work as an editor, and had started making some major errors, which was kind of scary.

After getting things checked, I found out my brain was essentially “on fire” and past the point of coping, which was why symptoms were getting so bad. I also found out that much of the mental illness I’ve struggled with for decades could have stemmed from the unhealed TBI. (There is so much fascinating science here that I will happily nerd out on if you want to know more!)

The recommended treatment is neurofeedback, which is a form of brain retraining. It’s noninvasive, has a pretty high success rate, but is also expensive and not covered by my insurance. For the level of severity I’m dealing with, 60 sessions is recommended, which I go to three times a week. I will finish this round in January. I finished my 7th session this week, and while I am not feeling any reduction of symptoms yet, scans show my brain is responding to the neuro, which is a huge answer to prayer, and means relief is coming. After putting my savings into it, I still need right at $4000 for the initial 60 sessions that are recommended. If you want to or are able to help, even in a small way, it is greatly appreciated. I’m also coordinating a silent auction for local makers, and all the proceeds will go toward the treatment as well. 

 I would also love your prayers for healing, a hug if you see me, and any other support you want to give. 

 This is proving to be a bit harder than expected. Since neurofeedback is similar to physical therapy for the brain, it’s very mentally taxing, and there are some hard side effects that impact day-to-day life. It’s going to be a long road in some ways, but I’m so grateful this treatment option even exists, and that recovery is a possibility. I’m looking forward to having my life (and specifically, my brain) back, and to seeing all the benefits of a fully healed and healthy brain.