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Even a minor issue with anxiety prior to a concussion can contribute seriously to concussion symptoms. Many people do not realize they have a problem with anxiety because they attribute their behavior to their intelligence or need to get things done or other concepts that drive them in life.

Gideon needs to finish the school year and try to settle down his life and daily activity and stress levels. His biggest challenge is to take care of his head and neck. Nobody can say directly what part his head and neck play in his symptoms but until he stabilizes them, he will not be able to tell what symptoms are not due to neck issues. The same goes for his anxiety.

The research shows that acceptance of symptoms is a great anxiety reducer and allows the brain to heal better. Fighting symptoms with anxiety is counter to recovery.

When somebody breaks a leg, they stop expecting to be able to run a marathon or Tri. They know that they will need to rehab after the bones heal then work to regain endurance.

When they suffer a concussion, they think they can continue with their busy and even demanding life and complain when things do not get better.

If they can sit out a season of running or gymnastics, why can't they sit out some of the demands life puts on them? Many of the demands are voluntary because they do not want their schedule to change. That is a choice. Life happens. Things may need to change. Accept the change. Make the best of it and move on.