Heads Up - It Gets Better
In the sequel to my first article - The Diary of a Concussed, this is the second and final part of my healing process. How did I beat this invisible monster? Looking back on my journey, my healing process was based on three integral components; mind, body and soul. The first (mind) was linked to the emotional side of recovery. My mindset - letting go of toxic relationships, avoiding gossip/drama and slowing down - were aspects which allowed my mind to be at ease and to be an asset in my recovery. The second component (body) was the physical aspect of recovery. This fundamental aspect was the most important in the first stages of my concussion. Nutrition, good sleep hygiene, water intake as well as moving my body was the first pillar of a healthy brain. The third component (soul) is linked to my spirituality. For me, my strong faith is what contributed to a significant part of my progress, especially towards the end of my healing process. These are all things that you can do for yourself. Furthermore, medicine and doctors are inevitable in concussion recovery. A year later, I’ve learned that concussions are treatable and that the cure for this injury isn’t limited to only time and rest.
A week after publishing The Diary of a Concussed, I went to dinner with a few girlfriends to celebrate my 28th birthday. I was having a great time until my party got crashed by an unwanted guest; my PCS side effects... Talk about a party pooper! The feeling was back; my head was spinning, I was dizzy, I couldn’t focus on the conversation anymore, I had a pounding headache and I felt my chest tightening up due to anxiety. The atmosphere was too stimulating for my brain. So we left and hung out at my friend’s apartment instead, where it was quieter and calmer. In the following weeks, I had to take brain breaks between my classes, naps were my saving grace and I had to give myself regular pep talks to get through my days.
At that point, I didn’t know what to do anymore. I felt stuck. That’s when a friend referred me to his colleague who runs a Concussion Rehabilitation Program. After being seen by more than a dozen doctors ranging from neurologists to sports concussion specialists, I had just about given up on finding someone who could cure me completely. However, I decided to give it one last try and I travelled to Ottawa for the program. After my initial assessment with the doctor, I was impressed. For the first time, someone performed a thorough evaluation in order to customize an appropriate treatment plan based on my unique problem areas. The doctor was able to pinpoint the exact cause behind my lingering symptoms and targeted the damaged areas in my brain during my treatment. I was discharged in a matter of days and since the program, I’ve noticed big improvements; I am now able to get through my work days without having to nap afterwards. My dizziness is almost non-existent and the frequency/intensity of my heachaches have significantly diminished. Also, as a French teacher, I often have to translate sentences from English on the spot and this was extremely difficult for me to do. Thankfully, that has also improved. I am so very thankful for completing the concussion rehab program. Concussions can be scary and the healing process can be demoralizing but I’m relieved to know that they can be treated.
We only have one brain and we need to take care of it. Here are my top brain tender loving care tips.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor nor a health care professional but this is what I’ve benefited the most from.
Brain tip #1: Stress reduction. Stress is inevitable and life happens. Therefore, stress management is crucial in order to heal your brain. Cultivating healthy relationships, journaling, getting proper sleep, learning to say no and setting boundaries are things that have been helpful in minimizing my stress levels.
Brain tip #2: Diet and supplementation. We all know that nutrition plays a key role in our health. Food is fuel. Food is medicine. In addition to a well balanced diet, I take supplements to boost my brain function.
Brain tip #3: Exercise. In order to have a healthy brain, it’s important to get your blood flowing. Find something that you enjoy doing; walking, running, swimming, biking, weightlifting, yoga, etc. Exercise not only has physical benefits but mental benefits as well.
Brain tip #4: Gratitude. When you are grateful, you’re happier. Being thankful is being content with the current situation you are faced with and there is always something to be grateful about. It might sound cliché, but start your day off by writing down three things you are grateful for. If you don’t know what to write down, you can be specific. For example, instead of writing down that you are grateful for your health, you can be more specific by being grateful for your eyes, that you are able to see the beauty of the world. This really helped to get through my dark times.
Brain tip #5: Mental stimulation. Hobbies and skills such as puzzles, games, sudokus, learning a new language, drawing, reading, etc. will stimulate your brain. We must exercise our brain the same way we exercise our bodies.
In conclusion, the past year has been the most challenging mountain to conquer. The injury itself was physically difficult but the psychological aspect was at times unbearable and this is exactly why I’m advocating for concussions. The stigma needs to end. In hindsight, I can confirm that difficulties are essential for our growth. Throughout this process, I learned the true meaning of patience and persistence. For that, I am truly thankful. Sometimes what you don’t want turns out to be exactly what you need. Ain’t God good!
Stéphanie Ranger