Concussions

For some – especially those of us who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) – football is synonymous with concussion. And since football season is upon us once again, I thought this would be the perfect time to re-visit the topic of concussions. To get more to the point, as the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia asks of us – both the brain-injured and non-brain-injured – “Please keep this in mind …”

A concussion is an invisible disability.

Everyone’s brain and brain injury are different. It is a many layered issue. If you’ve had a concussion and recovered, what worked for you may not be best for me.

A concussion is not just a headache. It affects everything I do.

It’s not that I don’t want to do things, it’s that I can’t.

I’m doing my best, but my best may not be your best.

My symptoms may change day-to-day. Because I’m doing better one day, does not mean I’m better overall. If I have a bad day after a good one, I am not making it up.

I am not attention-seeking. My pain is real. I need validation.

Due to my unpredictable symptoms, I have trouble meeting timeline expectations (i.e. in work settings).

If I over-exert myself physically or mentally, I may feel the effects of that for many days.

My emotions may be heightened. I may be more reactive to situations that didn’t bother me before.

I may have stress and anxiety from my injury and the recovery process.

I may have issues with my mental health afterward.

My self-worth may be impacted, especially if is tied to my ability and productivity.

I may need some scheduled down-time and alone time. It doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy your company; I just need to take care of myself first.

The fact that it’s hard for me to articulate my symptoms and feelings is part of the injury.

Thank you, everyone, for reading this!

And thank you, Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia.