Head Injury and Anxiety Relationship Proven

Hi Becky,
Concussions can definitely worsen existing anxiety. An inability to relax is a common experience with both concussions and anxiety, and you are experiencing a double whammy. Sometimes, "actively" relaxing can be helpful. Doing something to release the tension and all other physical symptoms can help mind and body relax enough to pursue other anxiety-reducing activities. Concussions limit the physical activities we can do, of course, so choose activities that don't aggravate your brain (no jumping rope or jumping on trampolines or playing any sort of contact sports!). You might kick a ball in a garage or against the side of the house, swim laps at a pool, or any other repetitive, physical activity that won't worsen your concussion (talking to your doctor before you begin is a good idea).
Then, after you've released some tension and anxiety, your mind and body might be more ready to benefit from relaxing activities. Have several things available that you would enjoy doing, like coloring, rock painting, any sort of craft projects, etc. Listening to calming, relaxing music while you're engaging in the project can help. If one doesn't work at any given time, try another. It can take a while to settle in and relax, but it can happen. Be patient with yourself, and don't give up on the activities you choose. Also, know, too, that both anxiety and concussions do get better, and so will your quality of life.

Hi Robert,
I'm sorry about your continued challenges with post-concussion anxiety. I can very much relate to your description of your experience with various doctors. Too often, being high functioning actually gets in the way of treatment. Yet being high functioning is desirable. It becomes a matter of discovering ways to address it on your own -- which you are. Regarding professionals, have you tried a counselor/therapist? They don't deal with medical diagnoses and treatments, which means they'll help you with your anxiety and worries about re-injury. This kind of therapy helps people sort things out and customize a plan for either eliminating anxiety or developing strategies to stop the fear from interfering in your life. Also, you can do things on your own to reduce your fear and anxiety. One effective way to deal with this type of reality-based fear is to write it down, dive into the specifics of it, and challenge it. For example, in what situations do you experience your anxiety? Rate them on a scale from 1-10 to untangle the general fear/anxiety and notice when it is better and when it is worse. Then, identify a situation near the low end of your list (jumping in at the top is often overwhelming. The idea is to gradually minimize the fear of re-injury rather than making it worse). Gradually allow yourself to experience the worrisome situation. Be there just past the point of feeling uncomfortable, then leave or stop what you're doing. Day by day, increase the time spent with this activity until it doesn't bother you as much. Write down what it was like, how you felt, what you were thinking, etc. Then proceed to another activity or situation. You might encounter a similar procedure when working with a therapist. You'll also learn other things, both new thoughts and actions, to shrink this very normal anxiety and stop it from bothering you so much. One more quick thing: there is absolutely a correlation between concussion, anxiety, and vision (I know this from experience as well as reading articles and studies). I hope the eye doctor can help. Don't give up your journey to reduce this anxiety. Frustratingly, concussion sequalae can last well beyond a year. But that doesn't mean it's permanent.

Hi Francesca,
What an ordeal you experienced and are continuing to experience. I'm sorry that you're going through this. Anxiety after a brain injury is very common. While the healing process tends to be a waiting game, there are things you can do. One of the biggest things is rest. I'm sure that's hard to do when running a hotel. Rest doesn't have to mean lying down in a dark room for hours. It's just important to give your brain a break from thinking, stress, bright lights, and noises periodically throughout your day. Two months is actually not much time at all when it comes to healing the brain and reducing the anxiety that accompanies concussions. Taking even five-minute breaks every hour or two (I really do know how difficult that is, but if you schedule it in it becomes more doable) helps the brain (and accompanying anxiety) recover. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, concentrating on the feel and sound of your breath--and when your mind wanders, simply return to the breath). You can also practice mindfulness, just noting what you see, hear, and feel without judging it, and again, when your mind wanders just return to your senses). Walking helps, too, as does eating nutritiously and avoiding junk foods and fast food. Given that you're a cyclist you probably know that. All of the activities I mentioned work for both concussion and anxiety. As far as diagnosing, I didn't have luck with that. Doctors looked for structural damage, bleeding, etc., and when they couldn't find that they couldn't do anything else. My anxiety was seen as separate from the injury. Granted, that was 15 years ago and things might have changed. Researchers are learning more and more about brain injury and its impact on the whole person, including mental health. It might be worth it to talk with your regular doctor about what you're experiencing and see what he/she has to say. It's frustrating that recovering from all aspects of a concussion, including anxiety) takes so much time. Be patient with yourself in the process. Your anxiety doesn't have to stay this way.

I found out that after a brain injury you become deficient in magnesium. your brain needs lots of it to heal. Anyone reading this who has had TBI do consider buying some magnesium citrate

Hi Louise,
I'm so glad that you're seeing the light at the end of what can be a long, dark tunnel with concussions/brain injuries! I'm hoping that many people read your comment so they can be encouraged that the brain does heal. I still have anxiety blips, too (14 years after the injury), but knowing what they are and knowing what to do about them really minimizes them. When they happen, they're just something I notice in the background rather than episodes of anxiety that interfere in my life. So know, too, that even if blips appear from time to time, they don't have to bother you. Keep on healing! :)

Hello Eamonn,
I'm sorry about your concussion, PCS, and anxiety. I'm glad that this information was helpful (and your comment reminds me that I want to write more on this, as it's such a common problem but so little is known about it so too many people feel alone and stuck). Be patient with yourself, as the brain needs time and TLC to heal. Anxiety can linger for quite some time after other symptoms have settled down. That doesn't mean that you're doomed to live with it for the rest of your life. You can return to your baseline.

Hi Zach,
Resting helps many effects of concussion, including anxiety. At the very least, try to restrict screen time (TV, computer, phone, video games, etc.) as these can be irritating and agitating. Doctors typically recommend this, but many don't realize the importance of restricting screen use in helping anxiety. Calming your brain in other ways, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, yoga (but avoid poses that cause headache, dizziness, or nausea). In general the first step with concussion-related anxiety is to soothe the brain. Take care of your physical health to help your mental health. Soothing the brain soothes anxiety. There are other steps you can take, but taking on too many things at once actually increases anxiety. Above all, be patient with yourself. The anxiety can absolutely get better, but when a concussion is involved, it sometimes takes longer.