RJ,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Your situation is not uncommon. How you recover will be mostly up to you and how you choose to change your behavior and outlook on like.

Stress is the worst thing for recovery. You pushed the limits to the extreme and are now paying for that indiscretion. You need to find a new lifestyle and group of friends. Someday, you may be able to return to a more active and aggressive lifestyle but until you give your brain a chance to heal, it needs a much more sedate lifestyle.

I bet your did a fair share of partying, especially after a big game or win. This and the damage to your brain all combine to make your symptoms worse and longer lasting. Your diagnosis is likely Multiple Impact Syndrome like me. A comprehensive focus on getting quiet rest for your brain will do you good.

You will get much better. Nobody can say how 'close' to fully recovered you will get. You will never recover fully so get used to that. The most noticeable long term struggle you will have will likely be dealing with stress. Many hear have learned to re-invent their lives so they can find new ways to live a full life. A full life does not mean rugby or intense athletics. Many athletes have to completely drop their sport after an injury. Those who find new outlets do the best.

Since you are not in school, it will help if you can find a low intensity job or activity to keep busy with. Your brain needs mild stimulation. You also need to try to keep busy or at least busy enough that your mind does not get stuck on the stinkin thinkin.

Believe me. I know the struggle with idleness and stinkin thinin.

Find a new hobby. Learn to play the guitar (no rocking out) or find some other manual activity to do. Avoid frustrating tasks until you learn how to handle frustration better.

We all know this is a tough road. Take it one day or even one moment at a time.

My best to you.