Concussions are a common type of traumatic brain injury that can occur due to a blow to the head or body. They can cause a range of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and mood changes.
Signs
Many people feel off for a while after a concussion. It may be time to reach out when the changes keep getting in the way of work, school, sleep, relationships or the things you enjoy.
How counselling helps
Early on
With your counsellor, you look at how the concussion has changed your days, your mood and your energy, so the changes make more sense and feel less scary.
As you go
You practise ways to pace your energy and calm frustration. Mindfulness, a way of noticing the present moment without judging it, can help settle a stressed body.
Over time
You plan a gentle return to work, school and the people you care about, and work through worries that keep you stuck, at a pace that fits your recovery.
Approaches
Where
About
Concussions are a common type of traumatic brain injury that can occur due to a blow to the head or body. They can cause a range of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and mood changes. Counselling can play a vital role in supporting individuals through Individual Counselling, Family Counselling, and Remote (Video/Phone) Counselling to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Concussions can have a significant impact on mental health. Studies have shown that individuals who have experienced concussions may be at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moreover, concussions can affect cognitive functioning, leading to difficulties with memory, attention, and concentration.
The symptoms of concussions can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and mood changes. Some individuals may also experience sleep disturbances, irritability, and fatigue.
Counselling can play a vital role in addressing concussions by providing individuals with the support and resources needed to manage their symptoms effectively. Counselling can help individuals develop coping strategies, manage stress and anxiety, and improve their mood. Moreover, counselling can help individuals and their families navigate the challenges of adjusting to life after a concussion.
Several evidence-based counselling approaches can be effective in addressing concussions. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help individuals develop coping strategies, manage stress and anxiety, and address negative thought patterns. Mindfulness-based therapy can help individuals manage stress, improve mood, and develop self-awareness. Family therapy can be useful in supporting individuals and their families in adjusting to life after a concussion.
It is essential to seek counselling when concussion-related symptoms begin to affect your emotional and physical well-being. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress, or are struggling to cope with concussion-related challenges, seek support from a qualified counsellor.
It is essential to seek counselling when concussion-related symptoms begin to affect your emotional and physical well-being. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress, or are struggling to cope with concussion-related challenges, seek support from a qualified counsellor.
In conclusion, concussions can have a significant impact on mental health, but counselling can provide individuals with the support and resources needed to manage their symptoms effectively. By providing evidence-based approaches and a safe and non-judgmental space, counselling can help individuals develop the resilience and coping strategies needed to navigate life after a concussion.
If you or a loved one has experienced a concussion and needs support, know that you are not alone. Our experienced therapists provide compassionate and confidential support across Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, Chilliwack, and throughout British Columbia. We also offer flexible online counselling options to make support more accessible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your journey towards emotional and mental well-being.
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
FAQs
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You might consider counselling if the emotional side of a concussion keeps getting in the way of daily life. That can look like irritability, low mood, worry about your recovery, or feeling cut off from people. Counselling works alongside your medical care, so keep seeing your doctor or nurse practitioner about headaches, dizziness and other physical symptoms.
Counselling can support the emotional and practical side of recovery, though it does not replace medical care. With cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a talk-based approach that looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions, you can work on worry, frustration and unhelpful thoughts. Your counsellor can also help you plan a pace for daily tasks that fits your energy.
No, you do not need a diagnosis to start. You can come in whether a doctor has confirmed a concussion or you are still sorting out what happened. You can share as much or as little as you like about the injury, and your counsellor will go at your pace.
Yes, you can meet online from anywhere in BC, or in person if you prefer. Online sessions can be easier on days when travel, bright lights or busy waiting rooms feel like too much. If screens tire you, let your counsellor know, and you can talk together about what makes sessions easier for you.
In the first session, you and your counsellor get to know each other and talk about what brought you in. You might talk about the injury, how your days have changed and what you hope for, but you decide what to share. If you would like to see whether it feels like a fit first, we offer a free 15-minute consultation by phone or video.