Post-Concussion Syndrome Makes It Hard for Me to Function | Invisible Illness | Health

After an accidental hit to the head, Kate Anderson, 37, was diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury, which led to post-concussion syndrome. A year later, day-to-day life with this isolating disorder remains a challenge.
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[@SteezyDollIsabel]

Trying to explain it to people is harder than the concussion itself. I have felt so isolated and misunderstood for the last 2 years. It is hard.

[@SteezyDollIsabel]

@Tailer Renée Hope it goes well !😊

[@SteezyDollIsabel]

@Tailer Renée you’re welcome and just give it time hopefully you can slowly transition back to a normal life🙏🏼

[@hannahchavis3027]

This is so true... People aren't as understanding of others with struggles as they should be.

[@eveoakley6270]

I suffered a TBI in March. Your experience is the same as mine. I find it exhausting explaining myself to certain people 🤯

[@tongobongo7061]

I have felt abandoned by most people I knew

[@ashleym4084]

I have been dealing with this for almost 11 months. I’m 37 and have three kids. It makes being a mom absolutely exhausting 😭

[@Ahmad-cy1co]

Stay strong 🙌

[@jmac79ers]

Take it a day at a time. I'm almost three years in, and what is most damaging is when people around me expect me to heal, and say things like "wow, it's been a long time". One day I can feel confident and ready to take everything on, and the very next day just the thought of driving the kids to school is overwhelming. Hang in there, and know there are those who are in this fight with you.

[@es15-javi]

You are a warrior, not everyone has the courage to move on after something like this.

[@mrv7981]

@@jmac79ers look at complete concussion management chanel here on youtube, he have helped me

[@Mothermochi]

This is so awful. My doctor kind of warned me if I kept pushing ( complaining) that it would be considered a mental health issue. Everyone I saw basically told me there was no way I should still be having issues 6 months later. My concussions happened during divorce so I was just scared/ anxious… I’m still having issues but now no insurance. It’s awful how quickly professionals are to gaslight you when the answer is “i don’t know” Glad she has someone taking it seriously. I’m still having issues a year later after re-injury…

[@dirkharvey]

Hugs. TBi survivor here too. I suffer from all of the things you mentioned, vision issues, daily migraines, hyper acusis or sound sensitivity, light sensitivity, balance/vertigo issues, dizziness, neuro fatigue, nervous system dysregulation, etc. It's so frustrating. Done years of therapy with what seems like only mild improvements. I'm unable to work, denied disability, and dependent stuck living with my parents at 34 years of age. And people just wonder 'when are you going to come out of your hole and live life again?' Like yeah, I'd trade the most severe depression for what I deal with in a heart beat and wish it was only that.

[@headtrips1]

Similar boat. TBI at 29 7 months ago. Formerly independent, now dependent on parents at 30. Out of work. Trying to jump start myself again. It’s hard. How many years have you dealt with this?

[@evasciuba9082]

Exactly. People don't have a clue unless they themselves experienced it.

[@mzqueen_b360]

Everything u said describes my daily basic life its horrible people don’t seem to understand sometime thank u

[@brienmaybe.4415]

💜

[@hannah3250]

I’m suffering from PCS. I was rear ended in October 2021. I work in therapy so now being in therapy 4 times a week, it been an emotional roller coaster. I have 3 teen girls and I feel so guilty that I can’t do the things I used to do with them. Anyway, patience. I am told I have to be patient with myself. PCS is no joke and is life altering.

[@hannahchavis3027]

This is soooo accurate. I've been dealing with stuff like this from two concussions for the past 6.5 years. It's no joke.

[@ozziecrosby2092]

December 8th will be a year for me. Frustrating

[@taracampbell9707]

3 years this March 2023 for me. The struggle is real

[@ate317]

I’ve been Stuck for about a year, how are you guys doing now?

[@taracampbell9707]

@@ate317 so much better now. It takes time. Be gentle on yourself.

[@hannahchavis3027]

@@ate317 Everybody is a bit different, but I'm a lot better than I was at the beginning. It takes time, but there are ways I've slowly improved. A few things remain problematic at this point, but it could be a lot worse ❤️ I have I'd say most of my balance back and my headaches aren't as frequent. But, I do still have a lot of sensory issues.

[@wendyboone9382]

I was recently in a car accident and I still can’t write about my post-concussion syndrome symptoms and the car accident. I try but I erase it. It’s so hard trying to explain what is happening to me. Thank you so much for sharing your story and video. God bless you always. 🙏🏼📖💯❤️🌹

[@soniaz8874]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I feel so alone and isolated. You've inspired me.

[@Missperthchannel]

Try hypnosis positive Happy hypnosis hun

[@hannahchavis3027]

You're not alone ❤️

[@lorenzospojavieira4788]

I got a concussion from school rugby and have been dealing with this for 5 months. I've been trying to get back into school and normal activities but it's extremely challenging I don't necessarily suffer from headaches and migraines anymore it's mainly just slowed everyday brain function. Explaining what I experience to other people is very frustrating and no one believes me It's very heart warming to hear that I'm not alone ♥️

[@bekfifi7269]

How are you now ❤️

[@mystyschallock4280]

hugs me, me too

[@AdonAKingALegend]

I’m with you there. I’m over 3 years Post Concussion and it’s been tough. The judgment is rough and the loss of cognitive ability is rough. I wish everything would change back to how it was. My injury also took out my L4 disk, tore my labrum, dislocated my shoulder and has trapped the nerves of my spinal chord and this big one in my leg, in sketchy places. No one can see it but I’m in constant pain and anguish. Hard to focus sometimes but I push as much as I can. I want to find more groups where people like this can talk. I’m very grateful for your comment on this video.

[@mystyschallock4280]

i want to find any groups where people can talk like this too

[@hornaceka]

Over 40 years.... 20+ concussions (that I remember).... No friends anymore.... Only my wife (Thank God understands).... Finally seeing improvement in the last 2-3 years.... I don't even recognize my past nor my childhood any more. It's real... And Thank You to the Therapists and Communities like this. I hope to meet others like me. Maybe I can finally have friends who understand and accept me after what I have been through.

[@brienmaybe.4415]

However people around you while maintaining can be cruel especially when concussions unlock thr ability to hear other people's thoughts.

[@jodywilliams2505]

I feel your pain. I’ve been dealing with it since ‘05. It’s not something easily explained or understood. It’s like your personality is in a constant state of change. Keep moving forward and positive. That’s the best we can do

[@Fish.Financial]

4years + headache, brain fog, not feeling well and adhd because of that ... and glasses too. so hard to not feel well and just telling yourself that you're not normal or anyone might live like that. It's always there but even if i do a lot of self healing and meditation but can't really get rid of that so disapointing to have a "new" disease..... have a wonderfull 2022 everybody! stay safe

[@danielprose5878]

What u mean by ADHD. WAht specific symptoms?

[@roetsdanielle]

2 weeks after getting married, I fell at work from a high platfrom (on my head) and fractured my skull, also diagnosed with a mild TBI. The symptoms have persisted for longer than the doctor originally said it would, and I was diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome. I have been in so much pain and have felt so alone. Being a newlywed and dealing with this has brought be so much guilt. I just want to be able to enjoy married life but I am so tired and my head is in constant pain, I am so irritable and even small tasks overwhelm me and cause a sensory overload. My husband has been so sweet and supportive but I have felt like such a burden. Its really been a lonely and painful time. This video really make me feel understood and not so lonely. Thank you.

[@mystyschallock4280]

i can totally relate to feeling like a burden its been 5 months for me and i feel so isolated and discouraged

[@megangardner2766]

I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since a virus 5 years ago. All the symptoms are the same as you describe. I had a stroke 8 weeks ago and it’s just made these symptoms worse..but once again, exactly the same. There is still much to learn about our brains…especially with the seemingly identical symptoms. Thanks..

[@smarty8772]

Thankyou for sharing your story Kate, I'm 5 months post my mountain bike crash here in Australia, I have days where I feel ok, then the next day I'm battling Brain fog, memory loss and just generally feeling down. It's really hard to explain to people what exactly we're dealing with as everything is well on the outside, but a storm is happening on the inside our brains. Once again thank you for sharing your story..

[@greg9336]

God bless you. I just sustained a concussion and it's not fun. I am a retired clinical psychologist and have taken care of combat veterans. I've heard their stories and have seen the consequences on their lives. Whole different experience when it is you. I am getting my ass kicked by this but learning a lot.....

[@keo1221]

Sorry to hear this but we need ppl like you to help educate the medical community. Its heartbreaking how I've been mistreated by neurologists. Education on PCS needs to begin at medical school and residences and ER intake nurses. I was once asked by an RN at the ER if I was going to hurt myself while it was obvious I was having full on body tremors sitting in a wheelchair and unable to speak or walk. This has got to change.

[@lrod5071]

thank you so much for sharing. Your story made me cry. I am a victim of domestic violence. My last 2 concussions were last year. It is hard when people cannot see your disability. They are crude and impatient. God bless you

[@andrewkensey3900]

Had an accident in July of 2019.. Had the most severe symtoms: couldn't process information, light sensitivity, dizziness, insomnia, apathy, .. just to name a few.. Im happy to say 2 years later, I feel about 95%.. Don't give up and listen to what the docs say.. good luck to all of you.. very difficult, but your not alone!!! Love you guys..

[@user-et1mi9ck2n]

Hello I had a Concussion Nov. 2019 at work. I'm still dealing with all the symptoms what this video mention. I did only 5 months of therapy. How did you manager yours. I'm no where close to full recovery.

[@andrewkensey3900]

@@user-et1mi9ck2n Sadley, you have to be extremely patient; something I'm not especially when it comes to my health. Did alot of exercise, hollistic stuff, sauna, ice baths.. all promotes good circulation.. mindful meditation for sleep. Good luck, you are not alone with this. Hopefully, this helps..

[@danielprose5878]

Apathy ? Insomnia ? Did u also have mood problems, and social anxiety, execution problems ? Did these psychological symptoms get better over time. I have all these symptoms. Its 4 Month now and nothing changed .

[@GaslightingIsEvil]

I felt like I was more myself after 2½years but then had another injury that's set me back. Now I wonder if I'll ever recover as much as I did before it. I just want to be me again more than anything

[@toph7]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I'm 30 yrs old and got my first concussion in a horse riding accident at 14, and my second at 25 playing a casual sport with friends. Concussions are no joke. I battle the symtoms every day (brain fog, headaches, fatigue, light sensitivity, noise sensitivity, anxiety, depression, gut issues, back/neck pain); it impacts every part of life. It can be isolating and so many people do not know how to support someone who is struggling. You've inspired me to seek out others in the community I can connect with!

[@danielprose5878]

Did your psychological TBI Symptoms get better over the time ?

[@cathymartin6085]

Omg ty for this, made me cry, it’s so awful and so hard! Almost 5 years, can’t stand light and have all of your symptoms plus many more! Live in sunglasses day and night, the filter glasses didn’t work for me! Keep falling and trying to fit in.

[@jenzyy73]

Thank you for bringing awareness to this invisible illness that is real a lifelong recovery for many! 💕

[@thezu9250]

For anyone watching this, please GET rehab! Vision, vestibular and/or physiotherapy might be what you need to re-learn how to process information.

[@gaylecolvin7611]

Thank you for posting this. I am 13 mts into my concussion accident and I’ve got my vestibular pretty good, not perfect but to me acceptable; however, my executive functioning is both frustrating & disheartening, but also embarrassing. Everyone seems to think either I am malingering (faking it), crazy now, or as the ‘picked’ (by the employers Atty) said - just aging. Funny thing about the last comment probably it’s worse than the part where people think I’m lingering or crazy, is the fact that an hour before the accident I wasn’t aging dramatically I was very busy doing my career and my life and having no problems but after the accident all these problems begin to happen quickly. But yet because this is Workers Comp case I have to see the doctors are designated by Worker’s Comp. insurance and they’re taking under their lead from their attorney who’s picking out the doctors. In closing let me ask you something does it make any sense that they would choose to ignore the neurologist that they hired to recommendation to where to send me to be evaluated, in lieu of actually taking in attorneys choice? Does it not to scream of agenda?

[@manmade2828]

Im pretty sure my concussions have reached double digits i also suffer with extreme anxiety disorders my symptoms are a whole laundry list, im not giving up though and neither should any of you! Stay positive 🙏

[@danielprose5878]

Apathy ? Insomnia ? Did u also have mood problems, and social anxiety, execution problems ? Did these psychological symptoms get better over time. I have all these symptoms. Its 4 Month now and nothing changed .

[@mystyschallock4280]

@@danielprose5878 yes those can all be issues of PCS. I have them all i am 11 months past the concussion some have gotten a little better. I am going to a physiotherapist certified for vestibular and concussion issues and we were making good progress until a bout of the vertigo caused me to fall and smack my head again receiving another concussion on top of the old one. It has set me back to worse than where i was before adding anew symptom of almost constant ear ringing to the laundry list. But I am persevering and starting to make a little progress again. But my frustration level is high so is my irritability and the anxiety leaving my house is ridiculous.

[@katiepatrick425]

Hi, I had a skydiving accident two months ago. I have a couple uploads about the accident and my recovery. I had speech impairment for weeks, a second personality, absence seizures and a lot of emotional disturbances.

[@bekfifi7269]

How are you now ❤️

[@danielprose5878]

Did u also have mood problems, and social anxiety, execution problems, Apathy ? Did these psychological symptoms get better over time. I have all these symptoms. Its 4 Month now and nothing changed .

[@jmac79ers]

Thank you for the video. What has been most damaging throughout my battle with pcs is the lack of knowledge and understanding out there. I've purposely dropped off the radar of my doctor and physiotherapists. After being made to feel bad for missing appointments, coupled with the lack of finances to pay for sessions which were creating anxiety. I just feel like being left alone, hoping to heal over time. It's hard to remember what feeling competent was like, and it's making me feel like a failure, as far as career goes. People think they're helping by suggesting treatments, and all that does is create anxiety, and more feelings of failure.

[@bekfifi7269]

How are you now

[@jmac79ers]

@@bekfifi7269 about the same, but we have learned to live with it better in the last year

[@mystyschallock4280]

hugs

[@soverigntoyourself731]

Thank you for sharing this has helped me to have a better understanding of what I am experiencing.🙏🏿

[@robodog2012]

Thank you for sharing your journey. Can say it's very similar to mine and many other people's. Hopefully friends and family will watch then understand a lot more. Thank you.

[@amyrebeccaperez5240]

Please read this book and you will be amazed Kate..."The Ghost in My Brain - by Dr Clark Elliott...thank you for sharing your story...I am a PCS survivor before they even knew what it was..its sad concussions are still not taken seriously 😔😔😔

[@suncentaur]

I have a tough time because I don't have pain. I get a sick feeling in my head though, and my brain just gets physically tired from processing a day, so much so that I just have to sleep.My balance is on and off as is tinnitus. Stress and depression are more intense now, harder to deal with. It's hard to explain to people. They don't get it. Especially other people who hit their head and wonder what my problem is since they are fine the next day. Some days are better than others so the random cyclical nature of PCS can also make it hard for others to muster up sympathy.

[@marilunavamu4560]

I feel so alone, I am tired to explain how I feel, is like you have to defend yourself

[@evasciuba9082]

I so understand what you are saying. I am greatful that my neurologist understand it. So sorry your doctor didn't understand. I have horrible migraines keeping me awake all night. Feel very weak. Post concussion symptoms are a true nightmare.

[@RaneBane]

I see people who were in comas and function better than me with PCS its frustrating. Nothing feels natural anymore no matter how many times I do it I'm like a robot now, emotionally aswell.

[@danielprose5878]

Did u also have mood problems, and social anxiety, execution problems, Apathy ? Did these psychological symptoms get better over time. I have all these symptoms. Its 4 Month now and nothing changed .

[@RaneBane]

@@danielprose5878 all of it. Alot of pressure in my head still. Cant excersize on my feet I get too light headed. Mailing things, buying money orders, doing math, anything with any thinking involved is challenging still anything with more than 1 step is still an issue. I just hit the 3 year mark a week ago.

[@biswarupdas4263]

how are you now...bro?

[@candicemachajewski9105]

im 37 and have two children. I have only just found out its what I have a year later after a car accident and multiple head injuries. given the fact I landed upside down after my car flipped 3 times. I never saw a neurologist, just had basic observations and was released within 30 minutes. thank you for sharing

[@danielprose5878]

Did u also have mood problems, and social anxiety, execution problems ? Did these psychological symptoms get better over time. I have all these symptoms. Its 4 Month now and nothing changed .

[@joaooliveira9317]

Thanks for sharing, going on 2 years for me. Absolutely horrible stuff this. Your story has helped me tonight, thankyou.

[@aviationmadness4236]

I understand, I'm all messed up.its tuff. Sending good vibes.

[@Vereen0618]

I have PCS. I have felt pressure in the area of my injury a year later and tonight I feel a sharp pain in once spot. I’m keeping my grandson, so tomorrow morning I’m praying everything is okay and I will be able to see the doctor.

[@Naturegirl1976]

I've been suffering from post concussion syndrome poor and poor memory recall since labor day of 2002 when an f150 trunk that ran a stoplight side swiped my small 4 door Honda accord. all these drs. care about is making me poorer amd not fixing a damned thing.

[@robmunk1]

If you’re struggling with this, please look into the concussion clinic at UPMC. They’re approach works. The key is MODERATE intensity. They don’t communicate that the best.

[@WOLFIExBABYxSAMMIE]

I got my first and only concussion 2013....i have had these symptoms ever since and it is getting worse as the years go by...I am on my journey to seek professional help to see what is going on. thank you for speaking up on this

[@jameemaree4602]

I had tears moments into the video. Nobody gets it and thinks it’s just dramatics, when it’s our everyday life. I am close to two years post and even sitting here now, I have brightness down on screen - blanket over my head and eyes still squinting bc it’s so much to take in. It hurts to use my eyes is best way to explain it. As soon as I heard you mention the blue light glasses, I knew my drs were NOT hearing me bc I too feel as if I NEED mine to function. The grocery store…. Oof that’s just a thing of the past for me apparently bc I’ve switched to 99% online. It was too hard to handle in the store. I could go on and on about how much this related and helped me know I wasn’t alone. Now I just have to figure out which dr to push for more complex brain scans and deeper look at my symptoms. Heck, i guess also means I have to figure out if our community even has drs that practice in this area too. Just thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!

[@WrestlerMichael]

I have been dealing with mine for over 9 months. I haven’t been in a grocery store since this happen. Thankfully I have a loving wife who takes care of almost everything in my life. My concussion also gave me seizures which until they got diagnosed, made me sick everyday for the first 2 months. I haven’t had any seizure since I start on the drug Kepra, but I hate the way it makes me feel. I still have really bad balance and dizzy spells and I now also get motion sick very easily. I have a hard time remembering things from day to day and I literally forget what I’m doing or saying in midsentence. I hope to one day be back to normal but I'm honestly losing hope. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@thespiderwebbs1]

ill think im getting better then all of a sudden i get depressed blurry vision then i know im not any better, i get so ill because imnot able to do what i use to without really thinking sometimes i just plain feel lost and ready to give up then the next i get a second wind but im getting tired

[@thezu9250]

Have you been assessed for vision processing deficits?

[@angelatrudeau739]

3.5 years for me. I am grateful that, in moderation, I can read and listen to music. And function professionally although no one has to know how difficult it is for me to do things You have explained my situation very well. And being dismissed by therapists, doctors and peopl. I cannot bear social situations. Regression can emerge without warning. I try too hard. I have not found a PCS community except in books or KZbin. Thank you for everything you have said ❤️🌹

[@danielprose5878]

Did u also have mood problems, and social anxiety, execution problems ? Did these psychological symptoms get better over time. I have all these symptoms. Its 4 Month now and nothing changed .

[@lindabommer87]

its been 2 yrs for me. i feel like i need a pca for all my cognitive tasks yet am not considered disabled because i can work at my non cognitive job. im falling behind in taxes, finding my own place and money. i feel like my life is useless

[@guadalupecontreras3701]

Try upper cervical care

[@danielprose5878]

Did u also have mood problems, and social anxiety, execution problems, apathy ? Did these psychological symptoms get better over time. I have all these symptoms. Its 4 Month now and nothing changed .

[@marcobenedetto1668]

3 years down now fml been through it

[@Missperthchannel]

I do too but no one will believe me

[@drewcrane6918]

Is there any PCS social media I can follow? After 3 months post concussion this video helped me the most. Thank you

[@mystyschallock4280]

OMG so understand this, PCS community? how did you find i where do i find it? For me its everyone expecting i can still do what I used to do with the cognitive impairment and other symptoms, I get so frustrated and angry at everything i used to be able to do easily and now can't.

[@mystyschallock4280]

and the emotional toll is something else sometimes, i find myself crying for almost no reason or angry at nothing

[@valdo4842]

Am going thru the same problem! Have you had your eyes checked for (Binocular Vision Dysfunction)?

[@SarahBenSayed-hv2rm]

I understand I’m suffering with this condition just lost my job because of it

[@Kaivey]

Ten years out from mine｡

[@ooooolllll9462]

I think we should drink 1 to 2.5 grams of black seed oil a day things that are naturally beneficial for our brain and things that are anti-inflammatory but also good for our brain matter.

[@elbori8979]

Currently going thru it going to be 4 months and still don't feel normal

[@shadybaez8154]

Wao, a lot of the things you say sounds just too similar to what I am experiencing… specifically not being able to talk about it .

[@danielprose5878]

Is there anyone with mainly psychological symptoms like mood, lost of joy, social anxiety, executiv disfunction ? Its 4 Month after it happend and there is no getting better with it? Can it get better ? PLZ.

[@brianfreeman2200]

It's the freaking worst the worst thing everrrrr the best thing that's happened is meds but it sucks

[@lijah7150]

It's Real! We are not invisible.

[@godofbread6939]

Last 9 months of my life😪

[@rosek8393]

Did u have digestive problems

[@jeffcarlson911]

I do, my whole system has not been the same since I fell.

[@Layingflat]

I can’t go in supermarkets

[@danielprose5878]

Icant do nothing . Anxiety , social distancing, no joy, mood problems. Is there anyone that had the same and tell that gets better?

[@ghostriderwashere]

I’ve dealt with this for three years. I see a few things in this video that don’t set right with me. Sitting on the bed doing exercises with rays of light blaring through the window on her face and not batting an eye. Looking at a cell phone with lights glaring all around and happy and smiling. Bright white rooms with light rays blaring in. Even monotone speech and no emotional change while talking about the injury. Filming herself with. A migraine with no change in emotion of voice. All things I will call bs on. I can do none of those things without issue. What the issue with brain injuries in court is people who fake this stuff and do it for attention and money. It makes me sick to see it. They ruin things for people with real issues. I think Thai chick is full of crap frankly. If you’ve ever had real no joke migraines you aren’t gonna be filming it and talking the same as you do any other time. You won’t be doing eye exercises in a room with light rays blasting you in the eyes without squinting and closing those blinds. She didn’t even flinch at it. I could go on but I’m sick of these people faking brain injury after the hell I’ve been through with it for three years. It’s offensive and pisses me off. Show this video to her alleged doctors and anyone of them that understands post concussion and they will see what I’m talking about. Interview someone who isn’t full of crap.

[@racheldahlem3197]

I don't have any sort of life or livelihood anymore. The woman who did this to me got away with it too

[@aminoacids237]

Lmfao only 9 months think about woman in the UFC I got ran over by a truck over 10 years ago and I'm still dealing with severe post-concussion syndrome and imagine what the fuck that's like

[@RaneBane]

I was thinking the same thing. That part of your head that got hit though, does it ever feel colder than the rest? Your brain I mean? Or inactive. I had somebody hit me over the head with a steel bar and I feel like half the man I used to be lol

[@thespiderwebbs1]

@@RaneBane im so half the man i used to be and now ive asvanced to blurring vision these days

[@zacharyoliver5332]

10 months.... 😢 I've thought u was going crazy until I was diagnosed last week.