Scary experience - please comment
 

I'm six months out from my most recent concussion (fourth) and am still having some symptoms. Last night I was fidgeting with my bookshelf that's about six feet high when a picture I have framed on the top shelf came tumbling down right next to my head. It definitely hit my shoulder really hard - the frame is heavy - I don't remember it hitting my head and logistically I don't know how it would hit my shoulder hard and also hit my head...but I'm so anxious and worried that it did hit my head and I just don't remember. I know this sounds really silly...but I would know if it hit my head, right?

Of course my symptoms are flaring today, but they always do when I get nervous or anxious with a bump or trauma response. Currently going through intensive therapy for this...I just need some reassurance that I would know vs blacking out a hit to the head. UGH

I have been there. Trust me if that frame fell on your head. You would be pain.

Your anxiety is making things real and it mimics concussion symptoms. I think the shock of this incident (frame landing on your shoulder) did a number on you and your over analyzing it,creating a severe anxiety reaction. Don't feed the anxiety monster.

Have you seen a CBT counsellor? I saw one and I learned coping skills. It made a huge difference.

I really hope so. That's what I'm trying to convince myself.

I've been seeing a CBT therapist once a week since about August. It is helping but it's a very slow process....

Also, have you tried journaling?. Just write how you feel and what you are feeling. It can help you burn off the self worrying thoughts.

It takes a time for the CBT coping mechanisms to work. Keep doing it.

Any time you feel anxiety about getting hit on the head or almost getting hit . pay attention to what you are feeling.

The sensations you are experiencing. So you maybe sweating, breathing rapidly, mind racing etc.. And then tell yourself: your in a safe place.

Lastly, breath.. Take some breaths. Do this everyday and I can tell you your body will deal with anxiety in a better way. Also, do something to take your mind off these episodes. Talk to a friend, watch a sitcom. Something calming and fun that suits you.

* remember it takes a significant blow to get a concussion..

Alex

I see these requests for reassurance made by people who are getting CBT therapy.

You are breaking every rule of your CBT therapy. You reinforce your bad thoughts and anxieties by posting them and expecting somebody to fix your thought.

Your CBT therapist should be teaching you a new thought response that you repeat to yourself EVERY time you notice the wrong thought starting to develop.

When the picture fell, a possible CBT response could be: "That was not a head impact. It was just a startle. I'm fine."

Repeat it every time you start to venture to the anxious thought.

It takes many consecutive new responses to start to overcome the old bad responses.

And a "BUT, what if it was a real impact that could cause damage?" NO, You can't allow that thought to get started.


Who can change what has happened? We can only change how we respond to what has happened.

"BUT, I need to know if I need to change my plans for the future."

NO, you don't.

I've had 14 concussions of varying severity over 55 years. There has NEVER been a time where I needed to change my plans for the future. There is nothing I could have changed.

thank you both so much - i needed to hear this. My symptoms have been getting worse since Monday but wondering if it’s a mix of anxiety and getting sick. I keep reminding myself that if it did hit my head i would know for sure and remember it. That’s all i can do. You’re right mark, no way to change the past. Always forward....

The other day I was in the bathroom when one of the framed pictures fell to the ground and shattered the glass into pieces in addition to breaking the wooden frame. Would you guys feel comfortable with a framed painting above your bed headboard? We're currently living with family who do not want to change any of the decor and I'll admit the thought of one falling from the wall onto my head sounds frightening.

(this was the most recent thread with 'picture frame' in the search)

Just take down the picture? You not remodeling ....whats the big deal?