'Friendly' smack on the head
 

im an 19 year old, 5'11 135 pound caucasion male with post concussion syndrome, anxiety/depression, neck issues.
Yesterday was my birthday and I must say it was one of the worst ones of my life. I decided to go out with some friends but before I could even get to the restaurant, I ran in to someone I know when I was exiting the metro.
The guy is a short but really stocky and strong ex-football player who was really excited to me I guess. He gave me a big props and hug but then worst thing that could possibly happen happened...
He smacked me pretty hard on the top of my head. It stung a fair bit and even today I can still feel it and its been radiating down to my forehead leaving me with a bit of a dull headache.

It was definitely one of the most devastating events in my life and the whole night after this happened, all I could think off was getting home so I could wallow in my despair and shed a few tears. I was supposed to be studying all day today but instead all I could do was lay in bed or on the couch in front of the tv, it was a really hard day, didn't even step outside or eat much really.
What do you guys think about what happen, ive been having a little bit of a headache today and the area where I was hit is still a little tender (theres no bruising but I can still feel the area a bit) ? Does this sound damaging or is it just anxiety or maybe a bit of a setback? Im gonna make an appointment with a doctor for next week either way to talk about what happened but it cant hurt for to post here and get some different perspectives or opinions.

This sounds like a minor setback. Setbacks are setbacks. They are not the worst that can befall you by any measure. Having been there many times, I know the despair they can bring, but we both know that in two weeks tops you'll be back to baseline. Setbacks happen. They pass.

When they happen I find it helpful to go about my daily routine and not start acting as though I were sick. They includes eating normally. Acting as though you feel bad will make you feel worse.

I think the best response after a setback is to accept that you will probably feel a bit worse for a little while, remember that it will pass, and go about your business.

Thank you for the response, your input is much appreciated.

Hey,BenW
In my country they say - "Fear has big eyes". I am pretty sure that when your friend hugged you, you were already anxious and expected a blow. And under the influence of this agitation, you considered the hit to be much stronger than in reality.

Anxiety constantly lies, distorts reality. I went through it myself. Sometimes, the usual touches of my head seemed to me quite strong blows. And when I start to repeat events in my head to analyze the situation, I notice that in my memory this blow becomes ever stronger. Anxiety can overwrite memories, and I’m not the only one on this forum who noticed this. So forget about it. Move on.

If we talk about the blow, I strongly doubt that it was even subconcussive.
Recently, my biology teacher hit me on the head for being sleepy in class. I was so sleepy that I realized what happened only after 3 seconds. And just at that moment I felt anxiety, a slight headache, and dizziness. Only after I realized what had happened,i felt it. After 3 days, everything returned to normal.

Such cases make you wonder. Is it a consequence of a blow or release of stress hormones? I think the second one.
And, most importantly,Ben, do not worry.I think you know that stress temporarily enhances PCS. And,in my opinion, it is the cause of your bad state.

Best wishes,SolisFectum.

Hi Ben,

I agree with the previous answers. As a complement:

1) Your friend did not give you a concussion or subconcussive impact. Even professional boxers do not always cause damage when they hit hard. The blow that you suffered from is very very far away from a punch by a boxer. Rugby players often smack each other quite hard on the head after scoring a try (to congratulate their teammates). They do not get damage from that.

In my case, I realized that the resurgence of headaches after a small hit was sometimes due to increased tension in the neck (because of anxiety). Have you tried to relax this area and ice it?

2) DECIDE that you will keep living your normal life even if you feel unwell these days. Give yourself an objective, invest some pride / ego in it. "I am anxious, and in pain, but I have a strong willpower, and I am going to show it by going to the university / learning this stuff / talking to my friends as if nothing happened. I will stop and rest only if the symptoms do not let me go on, but not preventively." I know that this sounds childish, but this kind of self-talk helps me sometimes, as it shifts the focus from my feelings / pain to the objective I gave myself.

3) Tell your friend not to do it again, but be happy and grateful to have friends who are that happy to see you.

4) Please feel free to send me an email in private if you want to talk.

Take care.
Vania

Really appreciate your response, thank you