#172 Aphasia Fatigue: Stop Watching Life on Fast Forward

Have you ever felt like you're watching your own life on fast forward, where everything happens too quickly to keep up? That's the invisible drain of aphasia fatigue—the social and communication overload that leaves the brain's mental gas tank empty.

In this episode, host Genevieve shares the mindset shift every care partner needs: it's not about having more words, it's about having more fuel for the words you already have. Learn how the instinct to "push through" actually causes withdrawal and how to use 3 simple, evidence-backed strategies (from SCA™ principles) to protect energy, comprehension, and connection.

Key Takeaways (3 Energy Protectors)

• Prioritize Single-Voice Spaces: Remove background noise (like TV) to save cognitive fuel.
• Preview the Topic: Use a quick "cheat sheet" of keywords or photos before a gathering to let the brain anticipate vocabulary.
• Plan the Exit: Set a gentle time limit or pre-planned signal for a quiet break to protect the quality of connection over the quantity of time.

If you'd like more real-world strategies like these for planning intentional connection, you can find them in my book Aphasia Inclusive Celebrations, available at: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/aphasia-inclusive-celebrations