Hi there everyone!
I wanted to get in touch with some people who can understand what I'm going through at the moment.
6 weeks ago I came off backwards from my bmx quite hard and had a mild concussion which involved me being confused and disorientated for about 15-20 minutes after which time I regained my bearings and was coherent again. I also experienced a strange feeling that I was dreaming while awake and had intense deja vu. I don't remember much about those 15 minutes. It left me feeling a bit weird, tired and with a headache and neck pain.
I'm English and I was in Germany at the time, embarking on a new life for myself in an new and exciting place. However a few days after the injury I started to experience periods of acute stress, anxiety and depression. I just didn't feel 'right' and I became worried that I never would again so I got a plane back to my parents. I had a CT scan which thankfully came back clear and all my cognitive, balance and memory functions were fully intact.
6 weeks on and I still feel distant/foggy/detached/tired and certain mental processes are a strain eg. calculations involving times, mathematical relationships. In the evenings, watching TV, chatting I feel like there's nothing wrong but when I go outside into a large open space or somewhere new I get this foggy feeling back.
I'm 28, normally very physically and mentally active and am finding it hard to deal with the state I'm in. I know how important it is to remain positive and that there are many people who have PCS much worse than I do. I wondered if anyone has any suggestions for therapies to speed up my recovery or any similar stories. I do feel I'm getting better, just very slowly.
Any words would be greatly appreciated!

Ben,

I'm in a similar boat. Same symptom base (anxiety/depression/foggy, better at night while watching TV/hanging out) I am also very active and sustained my concussion while skiing. (no loss of conciousness or memory...foggy afterward)

I also had to get on an airplane and move away from my dream ("pro" freeskier-living in Jackson) back to my parents house, so I totally understand what you are going through.

The reality is you may be better in a month, you may bet better in 11 months...but at our ages (I'm 23) we should get better eventually...it's just a big waiting game.

I've tried everything under the sun to try and speed recovery, maybe it's heped, maybe it's just made me feel like I'm doing everything and THAT helps....who knows.

Regardless, just be greatful you should recover, don't stress, realize this is a short window of time in your life. Reorganize your life's goals and priorities in this time. Take a deep breath...

I suggest perhaps going to see your doc about him perscribing some Ativan or Xanax (i suggest ativan). It'll help you deal with the following month(s) anxiety you'll get when your brain is overwhelmed.

I'm trying SSRIs in place of Ativan (SSRIs are more long term...Ativan/Xanax is an acute anxiety med) and so far they seem to be helping only very mildly.

Sleep a ton, try and stay a bit active (as long as it doesn't provoke symptoms) and take it easy!

Thanks for the response, it's nice to hear I'm not alone! All the best with your recovery.

Weirdly, I feel like I made quite a big step today. I've been feeling more positive the past few days, the depression is becoming less frequent and milder (my best friend made the trip across the country to see me when he heard I wasn't well which I'm sure was a boost) and I suddenly started to feel much 'clearer' this afternoon. Not 100% but much better than I was a week ago. It's nearly half ten at night and writing and looking at the computer screen present no problems! I actually KNOW that I'm getting better now, which itself I believe will speed my recovery. And for the first time in 6 weeks I'm looking forward to tomorrow as a day to enjoy rather than another day to get through. Even if I do go back 'under' tomorrow at least I know I'm moving towards the surface.

Hi Benjamin, sorry to hear about your accident. I agree with everything JJ 0909 has said above. I know its hard, but you will have to avoid all stress, rest and sleep lots until you are better. Avoid too much stimulation. The easier you are on yourself now the better the outcome.

Good luck, Lynlee

Glad to hear about some improvement. In my son's case it was two steps back with every three steps forward. Just take it slow and let your body heal. Good luck to you!!

I'm taking it easy. I'm often tempted to give myself a hard push as that's the way I've always lived (and why I'm in this state!!) but I'm holding back and trying my best to be patient. One thing I have found very helpful is drawing. I've always done it a lot and it takes almost no concentration if I just let it happen. Another thing is laughter! I love the TV series 'extras' and when I watch it, my problems shrink and I feel uplifted, gotta be good. Thanks for the well wishes.

Sorry to hear about your accident Benjamin. Glad to hear that your condition is improving.

For me it is taking much longer than I thought to feel better. I also started doing sports way too soon and my symptoms came back so please be patient, rest and sleep lots and avoid stressful situations as the others have suggested. These things are helping me so hopefully they'll help you too.