Mark in Idaho,

Thank you for the advice regarding the message board. I apologize for my multiple posts, for some reason I didn't think the first one posted. I will try to improve my posting etiquette.

I am not a doctor, and I do not pretend to be one. I do have a tremendous amount of experience dealing with multiple doctors, therapists, and other patients when it comes to PCS as well as a lot of personal research into the matter. Your point is noted, and I will try to soften my language, as you are correct, there isn't one solution for everyone's injuries. What is beneficial to some is not to all. However, I hope someone wouldn't blindly follow advice on a message board without consulting a doctor first. I do hope to offer another perspective- having multiple perspectives and different experiences is more beneficial than only one person sharing their opinion.

The article I sent does not provide a solution to anxiety or depression after brain injury. However, in my opinion, it does provide awareness for how someone may potentially feel after a brain injury. I certainly didn't understand the cause of anxiety and irritability I felt for the couple months after my injury, and I wish I had known there was a physiologic reason for those issues. The article was intended to shed a light on the cause of her boyfriend's anxiety. Sometimes being reassured of a cause for your issues can help you (at least it does for me, but I recognize it doesn't apply to everyone!)

I was not implying that occupational therapy would assist with depression. In this case, a concussion specialist advised that OT was needed and the patient decided very soon into treatment that it wasn't worthwhile. I would argue that it's better to continue therapy (as long as it's not detrimental) for at least the assigned period of time. We know that recovery from a brain injury takes a long time and immediate results would not be expected from any therapy. I personally have been conducting OT/PT for months. I've never seen a drastic improvement, but as I look back I am certainly more capable now than I was a few months ago.

Exposure therapy may not be tried and true for PCS. However, I would argue, it is a common mistake after a mTBI to isolate oneself while also not recognizing the visual and vestibular issues contributing to one's symptoms. These issues can be addressed (to a certain degree) by sound occupational and physical therapy. In MY experience (I am not talking about everyone), I've found that isolating myself leads to increased repetitive negative thoughts and a decreased mood. I've also found that actively partaking in therapy gives me a sense of control over my recovery, providing me hope for the future while also improving my mood. Additionally, interacting with friends and colleagues, even if only briefly, also proves to be beneficial for me.

Some people are also too aggressive in their return to work or previous activity level, which can worsen their symptoms. It's important to recognize when to take breaks and rest. Others may not benefit from exposure at all. Regardless, I would once again recommend someone to speak with a qualified doctor and ask what the best rehabilitation program is for them. Brain injuries, their symptoms and recovery, are highly individual.

This post has tried to be vague when it applies to everyone, and specific when regarding my experience. I hope it is perhaps helpful to someone, but I recognize it will not be helpful to all.

Mark, please let me know how can improve this post's content and etiquette so that I may not let down the board again. Thank you.