Quote:
Originally Posted by nothings
It's now the start of week 3 after my concussion and I've been to the concussion clinic four times, seeing a neuropsychologist who is helping me cope with anxiety using meditation and mindfulness techniques. I have also been seeing a physiatrist at the same clinic, who doesn't seem to do much besides prescribe me a lot of medications that I feel wary of taking (had a bad history with anti-depressants when in college). Among these are Trazodone, Xanax, Ambien, and a few OTC supplements (melatonin, gingko biloba). The Trazodone worked by itself the first night but has not been effective since. The Xanax I try to reserve for emergencies but often end up taking 1 or 2 pills in the middle of the night as I grow more and more anxious about sleeplessness. I have not tried the Ambien yet as I'm afraid of the side effects.
I know that these things take time, but I'm a 24 year old who just got accepted to grad school and am trying to do whatever I can to recover before I start in August. I have a supportive family around me (my boyfriend's family, actually) and they are letting me stay with them so there's always someone at home with me. Unfortunately they can't help me fall asleep at night.
So I guess my questions.... What else can I be doing to sleep? Is it worth trying the Ambien? (My own physiatrist called after he prescribed it to say he had reconsidered, since it might exacerbate my anxiety.) Can anyone provide any insight?
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Hi and welcome to NeuroTalk.
To put some perspective around this, your concussion was very recent when compared to typical mTBI recovery times. School starts in August so you have some time on your side.
My first question would be how is the mindfulness meditation working? I have found this effective for reducing anxiety, and I have no trouble sleeping. Like other things this may take some time, and in order for it to work you have to practice consistently. Another practice I find useful is yoga, so if you don't have physical limitations from your injury you may wan to give that a try.
Personally I'd see the Ambien as a last resort, I'd keep practicing the meditation, and the mindfulness breathing as brokenbrillaint suggests prior to starting on that.
Recovery from mTBI isn't an exact science but you do have a some time to get better before school starts.
Best to you on this journey.