Just need support
 

Hi all,

I am only 3 weeks out from suffering a concussion but didn't have anywhere else to turn.

Background: History of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression. Sustained a concussion 2 weeks ago Sunday. Suspect that i have had prior concussions but never treated before. Experiencing horrible anxiety which triggers symptoms- nausea, horrid headaches dizziness, blurred vision, "fuzzy" thinking, forgetfulness, twitches etc.

I am having trouble staying calm and letting myself rest. The 80 bigillion things that are piling up are stressing me out to no end, and I am off of work with no pay....pre-concussion: I worked 4 days a week. Job as case manager is very stressful- haven't returned yet- going to do so gradually. 25% at a time. I intern 1 day a week (and fit in tasks in between) and am a part time graduate student (8-9 credits per quarter) , attend classes for 16 hrs one x per month.

My symptoms are most definitely improving over time when I let them. Is it feasible that I am going to be able to return to my non-stop life anytime soon? Any advice to allow myself to breathe and rest...I know things happen for a reason and what will be will be. Any one else experienced similar circumstances?

Thanks for any feedback.

carebear,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear of your struggles.

You will not recover well unless you can get quiet rest. This means getting free of your stress loads. GAD and Depression make recovery difficult. They may be a result of previous concussions.

Are you taking any meds for your GAD, etc.

I have written a post in Patty's thread "New Here, Hello" that discusses brain support nutrition. You will likely benefit from making brain nutrition a lifestyle. A non-stop lifestyle will likely cause you to live a roller coaster existence, if not now, but very likely as you get older.

There is no way to prognose your future functions and work abilities.

My best to you.

Thanks, Mark.

I have dealt with depression/anxiety issues all of my life, but the concussion seems to have triggered the anxiety especially. I appreciate your support. I am taking things on as I can and doing my best not to try and control outcomes and take it all as it comes.

I will check out your nutrition link. Thanks for the suggestion and support. =0)

To answer your ? I am on Buspar 30 mg for GAD. Have been for years.

Recently added amytriptiline temporarily for the headaches from the concussion.

concerned
 

Carebear,
Although your symptoms could be from GAD, the fact that you just had a head injury concerns me. You are also on medications that can have side effects. I'm new here, so I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds, but have you told your Dr. that you are having these problems? If your symptoms are from the injury, it should be ruled out. If they are from the medications, doses or medications can be changed.

i'm sure you know that when you are anxious already, and then have an injury or other problem, the two feed off eachother. There are some self hypnotic videos on youtube that may help temporarily. If nothing else, they get you to concentrate and slow your breathing. Just google youtube self hypnosis and it should take you there.

I hope your symptoms start to dissapate soon.

Sam

Thanks Sam. The symptoms are mostly from the concussion. But as you said, the anxiety is feeding/holding up recovery. I am going to a DO on TH for cranial manuevers to help with the concussion related symptoms and anxiety stuff. Thanks so much for the support. I greatly appreciate it.

Later this week I will be returning to work 25% at a time as recommended by my Dr. I understand that going back to work in steps may reduce the likelihood of symptoms re-occuring.

Take Care