hi Lui,

when you say flashy what do you mean?

Peter,

We are all different, but PCS causes us to all have raised tension and anxiety levels, put on top of this all the symptoms, worry about the future and life change, is it any wonder some of us feel depressed? Depression is a symptom of PCS.

In my case it was only when I was prescribed Cymbalta (an antidpressant with pain killing qualities) that I have started to feel better. I am coming up to 5 months now, but can safely say that all my symptoms have drastically reduced, I no longer focus on symptoms - which doesn't help, and I can now walk a couple of miles a day and have started swimming. I put this all down to quiet rest, reducing stress and demands on me, massage, reflexology, but moreover being prescribed the right medication.

Your right about pain getting you down, I used to get the most terrible migraines, fatigue and noise/light sensitivity, insomnia which would floor me for days. This was triggered by too much activity, noise, light and stress. I wasn't going to break out of the psychological-physiological cycle of PCS without medication, because one feeds into the other and vice versa. I am glad to say that finally I am now breaking free. Have a chat to your doctor and see what they say, but at the end of the day it's your decision, good luck!

Depression and anxiety are two residual symptoms that I continue to have long after the memory and other cognitive deficits resolved. Some things I find helpful include:

Mindfulness meditation. Classes are available and there are several good books on this. “Wherever You Go, There You Are” by Jon Kabat-Zinn is a good introduction to the topic.

Yoga. A good studio will integrate mindfulness practice with movement and postures (asana).

Massage therapy.

I have also gone to TBI support groups; I find these good, but for me less helpful than the other things mentioned above. We all find our own path, so use the tools that work for you. For many people professional therapy is helpful, some insurance plans will cover this.

I'm not ready for meditation but one of my friends encouraged me to sign up for oprah's and choprak's free 21 day meditation challenge and it has really helped. Every day they just send me something positive to read and it's usually about healing. One day it was all about letting go. And it really helped me to think about letting go of the pat, the anger, the pain, the frustration, the impatience....
Su seb

sometimes i just thik to myself. is it all a state of mind!??

I am interested in yoga? would like to kow more info on how it helps.

thoughts>>

I would encourage yoga. Meditation has been the most helpful thing to me. It helps with racing thoughts, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, suicidal thinking, adjusting to life changing disability, makes me feel more stable and grounded, so many benefits I can't think of them all but I totally encourage you all to try this. So helpful with well being and healing inside and out. Yoga is a form of meditation with physical exercise added so if you are able this would be what I would do. Unfortunately, I am too hurt to do any exercise so I just do meditation.
Brain

Hey how are u feeling these days? I am going through the same thing headaches, depression...I hate it it been 6 months since my head injury.

ED

Depression comes in all sizes and shapes. Glad you found Neuro Talk. This is where I come when I am depressed. You will make a few friends here too.
Each person is so different emotionally. Breaking out of a depression may take your doctor, maybe even some council. It couldn't hurt to talk to someone. Also right here is a good place to vent when you are blue. Don't hesitate to talk to anyone here on NT. Lots of good people, who experience the same kind of feelings. Sometimes it is brought on by illness or injury, some are just prone to depression. For me, something weird happened that put a new spin on my life. Threw depression of years right out the window.
Small story, I have told to a few.... I was bummed out, mad, depressed and went for a walk on the beach. The whole time I was chattering to God, " what am I suppose to feel"" What should I feel and how do I get better"" What do I do when I feel like this" I picked up a shell that was cup down. Not found in these parts. On the inside of the shell was written in a silver marker one single word, the word was "Joy" For what ever reason, years of anger and depression flew right out the window. Don't know how long it will last, but this worked for me.
I hope you find a spot where you know peace, and can feel joy again in your life. I am here to talk to anytime. ginnie

My son also seems to have several days of great clarity: can remember all steps in personal care, is quite talkative, and can entertain himself.

Then he hits a wall and can't even remember where the bathroom is to take a shower.

But what I have noticed is this: every time he hits a brick wall...after several days of rest, he actually seems to have one more new skill than he use to have.

Maybe the brain just needs that rest in order to get better. Maybe it isn't back to square one, but just a stepping stone to the next level of recovery.

Just some thoughts based on what we are going thru too.

Take Care.