Sunflower Transitions

08/04/2022

Registration closes 4 pm today. Only a few spots left. Don’t miss out!

Feeling precariously fragile mentally, emotionally, spiritually, as if you're walking a tightrope wearing stiletto heels? This is for you.

16/03/2022

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/beat-burnout-avoid-sinkhole-trauma-90-minute-caregiver-retreat-tickets-277022881897

Feeling precariously fragile mentally, emotionally, spiritually, as if you're walking a tightrope wearing stiletto heels? This is for you.

06/10/2021

A friend who works in mental health with caregivers and their families shared this with me yesterday. There has been a sharp rise in mental health decline among women, especially caregivers and front line workers (no surprises there). Take a read.

A Mom’s Awakening
My mom had a lot of problems. She did not sleep well and she was exhausted. She was irritable, grumpy, and bitter. She was always sick, until one day, suddenly, she changed.

The situation was the same, but she was different.

It was a bright and sunny morning. She was sipping her coffee.

My dad said to her: I’ve been looking for a job for three months and I haven’t found anything, I’m going to have a few beers with friends.

My mom replied: It’s okay.

My brother said to her: Mom, I’m doing poorly in all the subjects at the University …

My mom replied: Okay, you will recover, and if you don’t, well, you repeat the semester, but you pay the tuition.

My sister said to her: Mom, I hit the car.

My mom replied: Okay dear, take it to the workshop, figure out how to pay for it and while they fix it, get around by bus or subway.

Her daughter-in-law said to her: Ma, I am coming over to spend a few months with you.

My mom replied: Sure! You can sleep on the living room couch – blankets are in the closet.

Worried about my mom’s reaction, all of us gathered at her house.
We suspected that she had gone to the doctor, who may have prescribed 1000 mg pills called “I don’t give a damn”.

And what’s more, maybe she took an overdose of it!

We decided to intervene and maybe help her out of any possible addiction towards this anti-tantrum medication.

But as we gathered around her, my mom explained:
“It took me a long time to realize that each one of you is responsible for your own life and it took me years to discover that my anguish, my mortification, my depression, my courage, my insomnia, and my stress—none of these could solve your problems but aggravated mine.
I am not responsible for the actions of others, but I am responsible for my own reactions to them.
So, I came to the conclusion that my duty to myself is to remain calm and let each one solve whatever problem they faced.
I went for yoga classes and various other courses related to meditation, miracles, human development, mental hygiene, vibration and neuro-linguistic programming. In all of them, I found a common denominator: finally, they all lead to the same point.
And, it is that I can only interfere—you have all the necessary resources to solve your own lives.
I can only give you my advice if you ask me and whether or not you want to follow it is up to you.
So, from now on, I cease to be the receptacle of your responsibilities, the sack of your guilt, the laundress of your remorse, the advocate of your faults, the wall of your lamentations, the depository of your duties. I am not the one to solve your problems or fulfill your responsibilities.
From now on, I declare you all independent and self-sufficient adults.”

As she finished her speech, everyone was speechless.

From that day on, the family began to function better, because everyone in the house knows exactly what it is that they need to do.

Is it not wonderful to let go?

This story was originally published on the blog “Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Inspiring Happiness” – https://vidyasury.com/2020/06/moms-awakening.html

This little story is about a mom's awakening. I'd love to know what you think about it.

10/09/2021

07/08/2021

If you’ve been following my broadcasts on Streamyard I would love to hear your feedback.if you are a survivor or caregiver what has been your biggest challenge? Although my focus has been on brain injury, stroke and Dementia, I invite anyone to engage or leave your comments.

Also what other aspects of survivor and caregiver supports, or topics would you like to hear more about as I invite future guests to speak? Please let me know in the comments below. I would love to bring on guests that cam speak to your comments and I will do my best to address them too.

28/07/2021

I thought it worth reposting this again today, given I’ve been talking about the difference between caregiving and caretaking with my guests on my Streamyard broadcasts. There is a fine line which can easily be crossed with good intentions. When as a caregiver you begin to feel a sense of martyr or victim syndrome, you’ve probably crossed the line from caregiver to caretaker. How do you know? You probably find yourself feeling responsible for every single aspect of your loved one’s care and it’s feeling heavy and burdensome. Time to reach out for support.

I am happy to offer a FREE 30-minute caregiver chat. You can access my calendar to set up your chat at https://calendly.com/vinnygibson/coaching-appointments

I frequently, unwrap these two words when working with survivors, and their caregivers, or caregivers, providing care to a family member, or a person under their care. Caretakers burn out. Caregivers practice healthy self-care and also seek out support for their own care needs, to ward off "martyr syndrome", or burnout.

The number of seniors requiring care is set to double over the next 15 years.

09/07/2021

I think this is a great posting from Dr. Daniel Amen, Functional Neurologist.

So many of us who've had a traumatic brain injury are confronted with the psychiatric evaluation assessment. Survivors and Caregivers What you need to know...

https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/what-does-psychiatric-evaluation-meanand-whats-missing-from-most-psych-evals/?trk_msg=QFGM4VAS9DSKV9P104OETFVLFO&trk_contact=7NS6MLE37EHAVMH8ST410IPF88&trk_module=new&trk_sid=3OPF2NB18297EKU6TRCOTLSCDG&trk_link=8B28OMH2V4CK71R36UMHTTVQV0&utm_source=ACI-Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Read+More&utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_content=Blog

Most psychiatric evaluations don’t involve looking at the physical functioning of a patient’s brain, even though it is the organ involved in all mental, behavioral, and cognitive health problems.

06/07/2021

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/225-real-cause-alzheimers-dementia-how-to-prevent-them/id1381257272?i=1000527489787&app=itunes&utm_source=Dhru%20Purohit%20Podcast%20%28Full%20List%29&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Dhru%20Purohit%20Podcast%3A%20Ep225%20The%20Real%20Cause%20of%20Alzheimer%E2%80%99s%20and%20Dementia%20and%20How%20to%20Prevent%20Them%20with%20Dr.%20David%20Perlmutter%20%28XnrJJX%29&_kx=vBTxurvqde7fCZs9NXoBx1AQERVxGJRpa-tBNDy2e5U%3D.HKMsXE&id=1381257272

‎Show Dhru Purohit Podcast, Ep #225: The Real Cause of Alzheimer’s and Dementia and How to Prevent Them with Dr. David Perlmutter - Jul 1, 2021

06/07/2021

During COVID many people have been experiencing increased anxiety and depression. Dr. Daniel Amen offers great insight and information on this and many other brain/mental health issues.

https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/the-surprising-overlap-between-anxiety-and-brain-fog/?trk_msg=GJNUQS6FNKPK96G64HUKURHS5C&trk_contact=7NS6MLE37EHAVMH8ST410IPF88&trk_sid=RQGNJ4NMQOT2OPCUHKKK070S7G&trk_link=S8GD333FLNEKBAAH1AHJCJRDPG&utm_source=ACI-Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Read+More&utm_campaign=Monday+Send

You may be aware that certain everyday things—like poor sleep, some medications, or hormonal imbalances—are associated with brain fog. But what you may not realize is that anxiety can also be at the root of brain fog.

01/07/2021

Happy Canada Day!🇨🇦

Received some new pictures of my mom the last couple weeks. I have now transitioned back into being “the daughter” first and primary long distance caregiver second. The primary role now falls upon my youngest brother as he is the closest in distance (being 2 hours away from the care home in the uk). It’s been an emotional transition over about a year now and it’s what has spurred me on to bring other caregiver stories to the forefront. Whether near or far every story has its emotional components and I think it’s helpful for other caregivers to know there are others out there living their reality.

My mom had her first non family visitor this week since she moved into the Care Home in March 2020. The home was locked down literally the day she was transitioned in and restrictions have just recently lightened. She was thrilled to see her good friend Barbara from church on Wednesday. I spoke with her briefly later in the day (7 hour time difference) but she was exhausted and barely remember who I was. It was 8:30 am here 3:30 there but the end of a busy day for her (her Sundowning time). Just happy to see her looking so happy!

30/06/2021

I thought this article a good one to share. I personally experienced a lot of medical gaslighting as I sought treatment and appropriate care for the effects of undiagnosed traumatic brain injury then post-concussion-syndrome. It took 2 1/2 years before a medical person took my symptoms seriously and referred me to someone who diagnosed my symptoms as Post-Concussion-Syndrome.

Medical gaslighting occurs when health professionals ignore or downplay symptoms that are being experienced by a patient, but is a complex experience.

29/06/2021

Alzheimer's Disease is one of those diseases we still know so little about but I would venture to call it a brain injury spectrum disorder in its presentation in some cases. I watched my own mother struggle with the confusion of what was happening in her brain, the lack of control over her emotions, behaviors, deteriorating brain filters, poor problem-solving and decision making skills, brain fog, loss of memory to name a few debilitating symptoms. I have to admit, one of my biggest fears is the thought that I myself might go down that path, as my biology has followed my mother's so closely. I have to be intentional about keeping the head chatter in check. This article I thought might provide information and preventative action you could take now.

While there are several different types of dementing diseases, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common and accounts for 60-80% of all dementia cases. Most people who are diagnosed with it are 65 or older.

21/06/2021

My interview with Millennial Avery Towle. Avery recently lost her father to COVID and is now using her skills and education in nutrition, mindfulness and yoga to provide Caregiver support to her mom, with the help of her brother. Caregivers come in all ages.
https://www.facebook.com/vinny.gibson.7/videos/10158057361041347

16/06/2021

https://fb.watch/6a63d9gqsT/
https://fb.watch/6a4uh5R_hM/
To contact Vinny for further information o coaching on Post-Concussion Syndrome, please email: vinny@sunflowertransitions.com or call: 403-818-8431. You can also send me a PM on Messenger

07/06/2021

This week's Caregiver interview is with Lucy Gerland, Wellness Coach.

Lucy Gerland is a Family Caregiver, Wellness Coach, Certified Yoga Instructor and a Functional Aging Specialist, with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Sh...

01/06/2021

Interview with Carol Sheldon, owner of New Radiance Spa in Cochrane, busy mompreneur, community advocate for youth and their patents during COVID and Caregiver to her aging patents.

This week's Caregiver story is an interview I did with Carol Sheldon. Carol is a divorced single parent, raising 3 teenagers and caring for her aging parents...

23/05/2021

https://youtu.be/QnSyVCsUsoU

Today's Zoom interview is a conversation I had with Karen Murdoch. Karen is a Modere Beauty Director, a Financial Adviser, and a busy Entrepreneur. She is...

11/05/2021

37 symptoms often associated with Long Term Post Concussion injury.

Anxiety • Brain fog • Blood pressure changes
• Depression • Difficulty concentrating • Change in (or loss of) taste or smell
• Feeling overwhelmed • Difficulty finding things • Difficulty balancing
• Impulsiveness • Difficulty reading • Dizziness or vertigo
• Irritability • Getting lost • Exaggerated startle response
• Mood swings • Long-term memory problems • Exercise intolerance
• PTSD • Short-term memory problems • Fatigue
• Social anxiety • Slowness to decide, think, speak, or act • Feeling anxious without anxious thoughts
• Teariness • GI issues
• Headache
• Heart rate issues
• Intolerance of caffeine or alcohol
• Light sensitivity
• Nausea
• Sexual dysfunction, low libido
• Shaking or shivering
• Sleep disruption
• Temperature irregularities
• Tension in the neck, jaw, and/or shoulders
• Vision problems (double vision, blurry vision, tired eyes, etc.)
Read on....

https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/symptoms-of-old-head-injury?utm_content=166048534&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-2875724239

An old head injury can produce symptoms that seem completely unrelated to your brain. Here are thirty-seven head injury symptoms.