Bel Clarke first won our hearts on The Bachelor and Married at First Sight. Recently, Bel’s experienced a difficult chapter. Despite this, she’s still bringing her trademark humour, joy and resilient attitude to meet these challenges; as she shares her journey on Instagram. We had a chance to chat with Bel, to catch up with her.
What happened a few months ago?
I was getting ready for my first day of school and was rushing around, I took our family dog Millie for a quick run. We were going quite fast and she got under my legs and tripped me up. I landed headfirst on uneven concrete. Hitting the back left-side of my head hard, which resulted in a head injury.
What did an average day look like before and how has that changed?
I would go for a couple of walks or runs a day. I would see friends, visit family. Now every day depends on how I’m feeling, which can change hour to hour. I rely on people to take me everywhere, as I cannot drive yet. The biggest adjustment has been losing my independence. I now suffer from post-concussion syndrome, which makes me extremely anxious and indecisive.
What have your biggest successes been since the injury? At the beginning I would drop and break a lot of things. I would rely on my family to make me things, a hot water bottle for example. Now I can make my own. Such a small thing, but for me it was such a huge success. My family also helps tie my shoes, but I am almost there!
Has Millie made any accommodations for you?
I have a walker, she lies next to it when she wants to go for a walk. At the beginning she was very unsure. Now she’s so used to it. When I’m in bed she comes and snuggles up under the blanket. She likes to be little spoon!
What do you wish more people would understand about brain injuries?
I wish people could understand that a lot of the time it’s invisible. The migraines, the fatigue and exhaustion, the struggle. I wish people could be more understanding when we say that we can’t do or attend something. We’re trying our hardest. Especially when people say, ‘You look great today you must be better’. Oh, that grinds my gears. I understand the compliment when I have made the effort to put makeup on or something. But that does not mean I am ‘better’.
How important is humour for you?
Humour has been incredibly important. If I don’t laugh, I will cry. I have to laugh at myself sometimes, and my family have accommodated that. There’s a time and a place but it has helped me immensely.
What would you like to say to anyone in a similar situation?
I would say to listen to your body and to not feel guilty about rest. This is something that I struggle with. Resting can make me feel lazy. But I am slowly understanding this is so important to aid recovery. Let your body feel what it needs to, go with your emotions and allow yourself to feel what you need to. I’m still learning as well, so we’re in this together!
What goals are you looking forward to next year?
I’m just so looking forward to gaining independence, moving back out of home, getting back to school. Which I know is a long shot because my brain is still ‘broken’. But the independence part is huge for me. Watch this space!
