lindberg711,

I too had post-concussion anxiety and struggled with anxiety attacks, as well as panic attacks, so maybe the depersonalization goes hand in hand with the anxiety.

And, yes, I also dealt with mood swings. Irritability at times, but the main issue was depression. It was not environmental. The suicidal depression has been there since the the initial concussion. On the day of my concussion, I was actually balling crying for no apparent reason during a soccer practice, and could not stop.

Keeping yourself in stress-free environments and remaining positive can help.. but often post-concussive depression and anxiety IS due to physiological or organic changes. I am 100% positive mine was. If it's an issue for you, definitely consult a good psychiatrist who is familiar with PCS or even a neuropsychiatrist.

So are you saying this is likely permanent?

no not at all... There was a point where I could not even function due to the anxiety attacks and depression/constant crying, etc. Both the depression and anxiety have gotten a lot better as my brain continued healing (took about 6 months). I am now on a low dosage of Zoloft but I made progress before I was taking the Zoloft.

Glad to hear that you are doing better. Today I had a bunch of cognitive/vision tests done, and they said I seem completely fine. I am trying to just be thankful that I am still me, and haven't lost my functionality. I am focusing on the positive as much as I can. Hopefully I see relief like you have as time goes on. Any advice on how to cope with this? Also, any nutritional tips that may help? Also, how did you get your concussion and how severe was it?

Thank You! It's definitely helpful to focus on the positives and learn to accept what you can't control.

My concussion was more like a series of concussive and sub-concussive impacts. My initial one was extremely minor and it was during a soccer game last October. I continued playing through the symptoms for a week of 4 practices, two games, and thousands of headers. I definitely learned the hard way. I thought I could push through the symptoms and it wasn't serious unless I was unconscious or vomiting on the field.

My symptoms didn't get unbearable until January when I was released to run again. I was dying to be able to play, so once again I pushed through the symptoms and continued running. I definitely hit rock bottom. I could not function and had to take the semester off. The months to follow were a living hell.

Looking back, I definitely did not realize the severity of my injury. I partied and drank a lot in November. I didn't know any better. Definitely do not do this... I feel like that is one of the reasons I am still recovering.

I would recommend taking Omega 3 Fish Oil supplements, B Complex Vitamins, and a multi-vitamin. Eat as healthy as possible with lots of fruits and veggies. Some healthy "brain foods" are blueberries, salmon, walnuts, avocados, almonds and flax seed. Light exercise can also be beneficial. I usually walk a couple miles when I feel up to it and it makes me feel better, as long as I don't overdo it.

Coping was the hard part... Make sure you have a solid support system. For me, 99% of my friends weren't there for me. I stopped communicating with people, completely. The only thing that kept me going was my parents. I learned that most people won't understand, but the ones who care enough to attempt to understand are the ones you want around.

If you want, I can give you my email in a private message and if you have any more questions you can email me.. I would love to help!

This was probably one of the hardest parts for me. Training partners were great for the first couple of months, but they disappear or "forget" to return texts, emails, and phone calls pretty quickly after that. You learn quickly who's really got your back.

Yes! Give me your email! I'd love to talk.

I'm a soccer player as well (though not how I got a concussion). It's good to know the depressive symptoms have eased for you, and should fade away completely. Seeing people get excited and full of happiness again after coming through this is all that keeps me going at times.

Keep at it.

Yeah, same here. It seems like the internet is full of negative information regarding head injuries, and it can only make it worse at times. I really hope the best for all of you...hopefully we see full recovery and return to our old selves again.

Yeah, there is so much negativity, things I'd never considered before this happened. I wasn't really aware that post concussion syndrome was anything like this - figured it just meant a bit of dizziness and headaches.

Definitely the most positive things I've read are people's recoveries and even the story of Jane McGonigal, the Concussion Slayer. It's true, positive thought can really make a big difference, there's nothing like family support to get you through this. My fiancee has been there every step of the way, without her support I'd be lost.

Keep us updated, hoping for your speedy recovery.