You had a head injury and now everything has changed. You may not be able to think clearly, you’re having issues with your memory or concentration, and tasks that were easy for you before are now challenging. Some people may also experience ongoing headaches, problems sleeping, and other physical symptoms. There can be a lot of grief and loss associated with getting a concussion and the ramifications of it.
Many patients we see at the Colorado Concussion Clinic either need to have accommodations at work or are unable to work all together for a period of time while they get treatment to heal their symptoms. There can be a sense of grief of not feeling like you’re the same person as you were before your head injury.
What are symptoms of grief?
Grief doesn’t only apply to mourning after a loved one has passed away. People can also experience grief after life events such as a breakup of a relationship, the loss of a job, or even due to a physical ailment or condition.
Symptoms of grief mimic symptoms of depression. Grief may involve a depressed or low mood, feeling withdrawn, not wanting to do things you normally enjoy doing, changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or difficulty sleeping), and crying/tearfulness. Grief may also involve mood changes including feeling “normal, sad, irritable, and even anxious about the future.
How can I cope with grief after a concussion?
1. Acceptance
Know that it’s okay to be feeling what you’re feeling. What you’re feeling is completely understandable given the circumstance you’re experiencing. Allow yourself to feel your grief. When we ignore our emotions, sometimes they can come back even stronger later.
2. Show yourself some compassion
Give yourself some grace. You have been through a lot and your brain and body are trying to heal. What might you say to a friend or family member going through something similar? My guess is that you wouldn’t be as hard on them as you are to yourself.
3. Focus on what you CAN DO
When you feel out of control and you focus on everything you can’t do in the same way you could prior to your injury, this can make you feel more depressed. Focusing on the opposite – on what you can do and what you are in control of– can be helpful, even if it’s something small.
4. Practice gratitude
Similarly to focusing on what is in your control and what you can do, practicing gratitude can also help break the cycle of negative thoughts. Maybe you feel grateful for certain people in your life. Or perhaps you are grateful for resources that you have, such as a place to live or access to food.
What we focus on gets bigger. The more you focus on what’s wrong in your life, the more you will feel this. But if you can focus on what is positive in your life, this can have a positive impact on your mood.
5. Engage in hobbies or activities
If you’re still able to do the hobbies or activities that normally bring you joy, get back into doing those activities to help lift your mood.
If you are currently unable to do the activities or hobbies that you normally enjoy since you got a concussion, I would encourage you to try to find a new hobby or activity that would be safe for you. Engaging in activities can help grief and depression.
6. Attend your medical appointments and practice your exercises
There are many different kinds of treatment for concussion symptoms. Your medical provider may recommend supplements and/or medications for your symptoms. You may also see different types of therapists who recommend you practice exercises at home. Being proactive in taking care of your health will put you on the right path to get better, which will also help your grief.
7. Get professional help
If you feel it would be helpful to talk about your grief with a professional, reach out to a mental health therapist. If you are in the Denver metro area or anywhere in Colorado, contact the Colorado Concussion Clinic to see if you are eligible to book an appointment with our mental health therapist. Visits are offered in person in Wheat Ridge or via video telehealth appointments if you are located anywhere in Colorado.
conclusion
Healing from a concussion can take time and coping with grief after a concussion can be hard. But you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out today to the Colorado Concussion Clinic to book with our mental health specialist or to receive other treatments to help your concussion.