Monthly, theSELF Well-Read Book Club highlights a prompt, wonderful, and essential book on a topic that assists readers live much better lives.Far, we’ve covered whatever fromthe politics of running to thestate of modern-day motherhood
When you hear individuals talk about distressing brain injuries (TBIs), you may consider football gamers, fighters, or cheerleaders. TBIs are a medical occasion that feel restricted to expert sports or some other scenario that’s especially not likely and violent. In truth, an approximated 3.8 million concussions take place in the United States each year— and as lots of as 50% of concussions go unreported, suggesting much of individuals who have them may not even know.
Goes the story of Annie Liontas, who fell off their bike and struck their head at the age of 35. At the time, their medical diagnosis was “traumatically caused short-term disruption of brain function,” which, Liontas quickly comprehended, is interchangeable with “concussion,” “moderate head injury,” and “moderate terrible brain injury,” or mTBI. They information this event and its deep, causal sequence in a brand-new book, Sex With a Brain Injury SELF’s January Well-Read Book Club choice.
Over the next year, Liontas experienced 2 more concussions, intensifying their signs. In a brief period of time, Liontas went from being a “healthy individual”– an author, an instructor, a partner in a marital relationship– to somebody who recognizes as Sick.
In the weeks and months following the mishap, Liontas might not check out. They forgot where the numbers went on a clock; they could not stand being outdoors in the sun; their short-term memory was shot. They get “arousal migraines,” ringing in the ears, and queasiness throughout foreplay– indicating sex, which utilized to be a source of happiness and self-confidence for Liontas, ended up being something practically feared. “A head injury will take a lot from you,” they compose. “Loud music, fragrance, storms, running, pride, however what it draws from your partner is intolerable … You understand 48 to 78% of marital relationships break down after brain injury, do not you?”
Their story is at when a cautionary tale in what can take place when you ride a bike without a helmet, a reflection on how little we truly understand about our bodies regardless of all the science and healthcare offered, and an individual history of what occurs when our physical relationships with much of the important things we understand and enjoy– our households, scrumptious food, and, yes, even sex– progress beyond our control.
We hope you’ll join us in checking out Sex With a Brain InjuryGet your own copy of the book listed below, and remain tuned for a Q&A with Liontas on self.com later on this month!
‘Sex with a Brain Injury: On Concussion and Recovery’ by Annie Liontas