Catherine Kenwell
Bio
I live with a broken brain and PTSD--but that doesn't stop me! I'm an author, artist, and qualified mediator who loves life's detours.
I co-authored NOT CANCELLED: Canadian Kindness in the Face of COVID-19. I also publish horror stories.
Achievements (1)
Stories (96/0)
Shopping at Costco with a Brain Injury
I wrote this in early 2016, shortly after we moved to our current city. Since then, there have been some interesting developments. After reading about the introduction of ‘reduced stimulation’ store hours for people with autism (which also benefits people with brain injury, post-concussion syndrome and PTSD), I’ve reached out to local and chain retailers to request something similar. Ideas to reduce sensory stimulation include dimming the lighting, turning off the PA system and music, postponing cart collection, and providing extra guidance and assistance both on the floor and at cash.
By Catherine Kenwellabout a year ago in Psyche
The Doing and the Undoing
We all grieve. And each of us grieves differently. As adult caregivers to our parents, we do what needs to be done. This is a glimpse into our story, because putting it to words helped me dissect the layers of not only grief but responsibility, not just sadness but the packing and unpacking of a life that was so dear to us.
By Catherine Kenwellabout a year ago in Families
Running Away With the Circus
A few days before my 50th birthday, I received a traumatic brain injury. At the time, I was a long-distance runner, and sports had always helped me keep my life-long depression at bay. But depression after a brain injury is much more finicky and severe, and I needed something new in my life.
By Catherine Kenwellabout a year ago in Motivation
The 5-Minute Rule
For the first few years after my brain injury, whenever I was faced with making a decision I would momentarily freeze. My mind would go blank, I’d stare into space, and I became catatonic (in other words, in an immobile or unresponsive stupor). Being in an already-stressful environment would make it even more pronounced. This involuntary behavior caused a great deal of misunderstanding and argument in our household and amongst family. It tested the limits of my marriage and my sanity, until I learned how to deal with it. Thanks to the Ontario Brain Injury Association and Brock University for helping me put this approach into practice. I think it's helpful for everyone who finds themselves decision-making challenged.
By Catherine Kenwellabout a year ago in Psyche
Take My Brain--Please!
What goes on in my brain? I’m not a neuropsychologist or a researcher, but I am in a unique position of having sustained at least four traumatic brain injuries, plus meningitis, which is an acquired brain injury. I will live with the consequences of those injuries for the rest of my life. Most of the time, it’s ‘no biggie’.
By Catherine Kenwell2 years ago in Psyche
EMDR - Knots in the Yarn
I’m no stranger when it comes to baring my soul. I believe my vulnerability strengthens me. But I’m pretty private about the most traumatic events and patterns in my life, because well, I figure no one really needs to know, we all carry life’s baggage, and for the most part, there are many things that are nobody’s business.
By Catherine Kenwell3 years ago in Psyche
Lippy Love During COVID
If there’s anything that can brighten my day (other than my animals or 'framily') it’s a quality, bright lip adornment. When my boss’s house burned down and I didn’t know what else to do, I headed out and bought her favorite lipstick for her, because lipstick makes everything a little better.
By Catherine Kenwell3 years ago in Blush
Hunting the Teddy Bear Army
Today’s dog walk took us up our street and down memory lane. As the dog and I peered into our neighbours’ front windows, we witnessed the bright posters and feel-good messages that are meant to keep spirits up and to distract kids from the fear of COVID-19.
By Catherine Kenwell3 years ago in Families
