Since my injury in June, I haven't been to any kind of therapy or had any kind of schedule or plan towards my recovery. I've basically just been going to see a faulty neurologist and staying at home watching TV. I feel like I'm just getting worse. My mind is breaking down to the point where I feel like I'm going insane. I have no physical symptoms like headaches, just psychiatric problems, cognitive problems (like foggy brain, feeling slow and dumb) and occasional dizziness. So I'm asking the people of this forum for some advice.

What can I do to improve my recovery, as far as therapy and other things I can add to my schedule that will speed up my recovery or at least make me feel better? I have plenty of benefits left with Victims of Crime (they are paying for my expenses) and I want to start using them wisely. I just don't know what to do....I know I want to see a chiropractor because my neck feels kind of messed up, but what else can I do? Besides a neurologist who else should I be seeing?

Forget about seeing another neurologist. Try a physiatrist (Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in the phone book). And get a work up done on your neck.

And see if you can see a therapist or church counselor to help you lower your anxiety levels.

My best to you.

I was referred to a psychiatrist when I went in for the MRI results. Going to call them on Monday to schedule an appointment. Also, it's funny you mention church counselor because my aunt texted me today, concerned with what my mother has been telling her about my condition and gave me some info on a pastor that healed her through prayer.

Have you been thinking about nutrition? My brother is a vet and told me I should really focus on antioxidants, which I looked up on the internet and have been doing ever since (leading to a massive juice habit!)

Weird that the most useful health professional I have seen has been my brother the vet, but I guess they do need to really know how the nuts and bolts of every body system works since they see it in so many unfamiliar forms...

Also, you might want to cut down on the TV. I spent many months thinking I was resting while watching TV, but actually high energy TV programmes like action films or music videos are making your brain work pretty hard.

When I realised this I spent a few months hardly watching any TV, or computer, or reading books. It was hard but I got a load of audiobooks on my ipod, or went for short walks in the park. My brain seemed to like this much better than constant TV.

Good luck

Hi Everyone:
I'm a mom of a 14yr old teenage boy who has been recovering from Post Concussion Syndrome for 1 1/2 yrs. He has also experienced 3 major setbacks (Does NOT play sports) and is now being tutored at home by the local high school.
I am also a MTBI Literate Integrative Health & Nutrition Coach and can tell you that what you eat is very important regarding brain health - as a matter of fact I have just finished a book for MTBI survivors about this important piece of the puzzle. It is a very easy to use guide and is being printed now.
Depression, anxiety and some "brain fog" can be caused by eating too much sugar and processed foods. May doctors, coaches, etc. do not really "get" that what you eat literally turns into your brain, your blood, your emotions, etc.
**

Warmly, Tina Sullivan

This is actually more dangerous than it sounds. Prayer may have positive psychological effects (which can be gained through other ways), but it will not heal you. Your body heals itself (or not), and sometimes medical intervention is needed. Staying positive is an important component, but don't think that praying will cure you; it won't. Pastors who "heal through prayer" are charlatans.

Religious leaders in your community are also typically ill-equipped to handle psychological problems. See someone who actually has training in the are in which you need help.

wakey,

I agree about the 'healing charlatans' but disagree with your opposition to prayer. My point in referring nwsmth to a church counselor was to help with his anxiety. A lot of anxiety is due to poor control of thoughts. Getting help with his thought life can reduce his anxiety. Praying for healing is also worthwhile. So, counseling regarding his anxiety and prayer life can be beneficial.

My best to you.

Mark, thank you, as always, for your thoughtful comment. Let me be clear: I don't oppose prayer. I think that it can be quite useful for some people. I oppose the idea that people should rely on church counselors and religious folk to help them "think the right thoughts." Positive thinking is useful--and much of prayer is positive thinking. So, by all means, pray away. But prayer, by itself, cannot deal head on with psychological problems like anxiety. One can't fix that by going to someone else whose only training is in reading the Bible, rather than, say, learning about the human body and mind methodologically. The best person to seek out in such a situation is someone who is trained in how the brain works. If the aim is for people to recover, they need to see the best trained people. I hope everyone on this board heals fast and well, and if prayer can help part of the recovery, then great.

wakey,

You are obviously not a believer. You have every right to your opinions and beliefs. My comment to nwsmith was in context with my knowledge of him as a believer. Prayer, for believers, goes far beyond positive thinking. Trying to explain the power of prayer to a non-believer is next to impossible. No offense aimed at you and no offense taken from your comments.

Needless to say, I will try to explain just a bit of the Christian position on thoughts and anxiety. I hope this post does not get edited because there are many believers who follow this forum.

The Bible says, "Take every thought captive....." and "Be anxious for nothing....." Also, my signature verse of "Be still and Know that I am God" or a better translation is "Cease striving and know that I am God."

I am only quoting the pertinent parts. I am not taking these scripture quotes out of context.

These are commands to the believers. God only commands believers to do things that He has already given them the resources to do. Some will need the help of counsel. Others will have the maturity in their faith to apply sound Biblical principles to respond to the commands.

Oddly enough, you made your comment to someone who has been considering writing a book for believers who need help at understanding the scripture verses about anxiety and thoughts. If I can get so I can stay focused on a writing task, I hope to start writing my manuscript.

I am not saying that some with anxiety may not need medical help. But, medical help alone or even with secular counseling will often fall short of a believer's needs.

The counseling industry has a treatment protocol called CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) This is no different that the Biblical mandate of 'Taking every thought captive.' The believer has an extra dimension of faith to add to the equation. CBT started in the 1960's and behavioral therapy in the 1930's. "

Taking every though captive " dates back millennia. It was widely taught in the first century AD and the other commands and teachings such as "Be still" date back a few thousand years earlier. The positive impact on society and individuals is well documented.

But again, you may choose to believe otherwise. Not a problem for me.

My best to you.

I'm an averagely spiritual person - no weird stuff - but I do believe in the power of prayer. If you really believe you are speaking to your creator you can learn about yourself and open yourself to true honestly which always helps.

I think it makes sense to seek help from God but also doctors and family. Exercise (gradual) and vacation (lack of household and work stress) seemed to help me heal in the most significant ways.