Impact

Impact: Women Writing After Concussion is a compilation of stories about women writers' experiences with a concussion. The contributors struggle to find answers to questions about their injury, but the research related to women experiencing this condition is limited.

The book does not focus on providing medical expertise. Instead, the women discuss coming to terms with a new normal by sharing their symptoms and reactions to their diagnosis or lack of an initial diagnosis. In addition, the book provides a forum for them to fill in research gaps by helping to advance discussions about brain injuries since the consequences of this event can be more severe for women. Ultimately, the editors state that the work creates a new body of knowledge to aid research.

I believe seeking out writers to explain these experiences offers not just powerful storytelling but also a very insightful perspective. Writers constantly use their brains to analyze and process information so they can organize, describe, and present facts and stories. As a result, the contributors can better articulate the details of their new normative due to their expertise. Yet, like injured athletes, these women are regaining their skill mastery. Most realize that the injury has altered their writing and writing process, which causes them to try and learn different approaches.

I found that the women could amplify their voices about the situations they must navigate. For example, many women mentioned that they know they're going someplace but suddenly forget where they're going. They experience light sensitivity, feel too ashamed and disappointed to ask for help, and experience disorganized thinking and inaccurate sequencing of events. A few pointed out problems eating and would avoid hearty or rich foods. Many women end up advocating for themselves since people often assume they' "look fine" or "seem okay."

The women adjusted to their experiences by developing strategies to guide them through challenging times. For instance, some women indicated that exercises, such as yoga and swimming, provided them some relief or joy. They added more time to prepare for an event, such as a visit to the grocery store, to avoid moments of confusion or disorientation. Or, they avoided crowded places. In comparison, some severe health events have treatments that lead to a pathway to getting better. Unfortunately, some women with a concussion stated that they found no relief.

I selected this audiobook because one of my family members suffered a concussion. I wanted to understand the symptoms that person was experiencing and share this book as a resource for their recovery. So, I found the book a helpful resource for understanding the situations that result or can arise from a concussion. However, I found that it can improve women's experiences with brain trauma by understanding the variety of symptoms and learning that they are not alone in their struggles.

I would love to see this book turned into a documentary or a podcast to continue the dialogue and emphasize the need for more research.