147. PCS: The Gift Wrapped in Suffering; Clare Sharpen, The Brain Health Coach UK

Clare Sharpen is a registered health coach and founder of The Brain Health Coach UK. Based in London, Clare spent over two years recovering from post-concussion syndrome following a fall in June 2023. During her recovery journey, she discovered the profound impact of nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and nervous system regulation on brain health. Now she runs the Post-Concussion Wellbeing Course, a group program supporting people through post-concussion recovery using a holistic approach alongside any clinical care they may be receiving. Clare describes her experience as "a gift wrapped in suffering" and is passionate about helping others turn their post-concussion struggles into opportunities for becoming more health-filled, self-compassionate, and attuned to their bodies.In this powerful episode, Clare Sharpen shares her three-year journey through post-concussion syndrome, offering hope and practical wisdom for anyone navigating this invisible injury.Clare's concussion occurred when she fainted in a restaurant and fell headfirst down a set of wooden steps. Despite being unconscious for 5-10 minutes, she declined ambulance transport. She saw multiple medical specialists over 10 weeks—including a cardiologist—and not one mentioned the word concussion, instead focusing on her low blood pressure and heart rate.While listening to a podcast about the gut-brain connection, Clare heard the term "brain injury." When she googled post-concussion syndrome, she found a list of symptoms that matched her experience perfectly. "I literally nearly fell out of the hammock," she recalls.Key Recovery Strategies1. Nervous System Regulation (The Foundation)2. The Neuroscience of Pain3. Vestibular Physiotherapy & Graded Exercise4. Nutrition & Lifestyle5. Hypnotherapy for Lingering Light & Noise SensitivityAdvice for Loved OnesGet professional help for the person with concussion. She wishes her family had sought a concussion coach sooner rather than trying to figure everything out alone. You don't need to become an expert—let experts guide you.The Gift in SufferingClare describes her experience as a gift wrapped in suffering. She's emerged from her recovery more peaceful, less frantic, and with a deeper understanding of herself. Her identity is no longer tied to productivity or achievement.Resources MentionedBooks"The Way Out" by Alan Gordon – Understanding chronic pain and the brain's role in creating itAppsCurable – Neuroscience-based pain reprocessing appHypnotherapist (Recommended by Clare)Jacqueline PanchaudEmail: [email protected] Clare SharpenWebsite: thebrainhealthcoach.co.ukEmail: [email protected] & Facebook: @thebrainhealthcoachukConnect with Bethany:Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the websiteFree Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation