Hey,

I used to become angry and think that I was cursed in some way; it was my fate to hit my head.

Now, it is more just a loss of confidence. I do not feel able to do time pressured or difficult tasks; or feel less able to do them as well.

I tend to need time to recover, which is usually time, which is quite self destructive. So instead of going to the gym, I would order a takeaway. Then recover at some point the following day- normally be being focused on something else. Even study can ok in that respect! Sometimes!

The therapy has been useful. The focus of it at the moment is writing down what my thought patterns are so that they can then be challenged.

There was also the point, that being very careful makes no difference as to whether I hit my head or not, so why bother. Potentially sound, but potentially danagerous advice. Not sure.

I don't think I have PCS. My last concussion was in Jan 08' and maybe had it then, in the difficult months after it, when I was worried about what had changed in me and what I could do in the future.

I have shared my experiences with my family and close friends, who have been very supportive. I told my previous employer when I had a concussion, to set their expectations about what I could do. They were understanding, which helped.

Fortunate in that have quite a strong support network, though their help has not cured the issue; they cannot change what has physically happened. They do provide reassurance and are a rational sounding board when read too much into a simple bump on the end. Therapy has helped though. Quite like it being independent of family and friends; it spreads the burden from them.

I think the descision to tell your employer is very personal and difficult one. Traditionally disclosing health issues, which border on mental health, was seen, as far as I've been told, as damaging to a career, as it might follow you around. Though attitudes change; would do what is pragmatic and tell your employer if you think it would help. From their perspective, they can't help if you don't tell them.

Aside from that issue, yes think if you do have access to it, then seek help early. There is a lot of good help out there and nothing to lose if the status quo is really upsetting, which it is, if and when focus on an injury.

Hope it all improves for you soon! You're definitely not alone.