Supporting Your Mental Health During Recovery

What is Mental Health?

The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of wellbeing where individuals realize their abilities, cope with normal life stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community¹. Mental health is made up of our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, and it impacts how we think, feel, and act¹. It can affect our ability to make decisions, maintain relationships, and manage stress².

Mental Health and Concussion Recovery

Concussions are a type of brain injury that can affect how a person feels and thinks. Even though they are also known as “mild” brain injuries, concussions can still have serious impacts on your mental health. For example, people who get a concussion have a higher chance of developing psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder³. Research shows that it is common for people to feel depressed in the first three months after a concussion⁴. In addition, about 1 out of 5 people continue to struggle with depression or other mental health challenges six months after the injury².

During concussion recovery people might also experience emotional disturbances such as mood swings, aggressive behaviours, or trouble controlling their impulses². It is also common to feel a range of feelings including shock, frustration, grief, guilt, helplessness, and isolation especially when dealing with ongoing physical symptoms such as headache or fatigue^4,5. These changes in mental health can impact a person’s ability to cope with normal life stress, work or go to school, and be part of their community.

Noticing and dealing with changes to your mental health after a concussion is very important for healing and staying healthy⁴. Finding these problems early and getting help can support your recovery and prevent more serious mental health issues from happening later on⁶.

Mental Health and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Recovery

FND is a condition that affects how the brain sends and receives signals⁷. This can cause many different symptoms, which can include trouble moving, shaking, seizures, or thinking difficulties⁷. Living with FND can be challenging, not only because of the physical and cognitive symptoms, but also because it can affect your mental health.

Many people with FND deal with psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression⁸. Some may also experience post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, or alexithymia, which means having a hard time understanding and sharing emotions⁸. Navigating and managing these psychiatric conditions and their symptoms can make recovery and everyday life more difficult.

Stigma, or negative judgment from others, is another big challenge which can impact mental health during FND recovery⁹. When people don’t understand what you’re going through or don’t believe your symptoms are real, it can lead to feeling ignored or hurt⁹. This can also cause feelings of frustration, stress, anxiety, or sadness⁹. Additionally, you may feel isolated or embarrassed especially if symptoms happen in front of other people⁹.

Helpful Strategies to Manage Emotions and Mental Health Challenges during Recovery^5,6,10

• Talk therapy (e.g. cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behaviour therapy)
• Education on FND or concussion and the recovery journey
• Support and reassurance from family, friends, or healthcare providers
• Mindfulness and relaxation (e.g. breathing exercises and affirmations)
• Grounding techniques (e.g. sensory connection and focussing on what is around you)
• Following a daily routine (e.g. getting enough sleep and eating regularly)

Final Thoughts

It is normal to experience challenges related to mental health changes and a range of emotions during your concussion or FND recovery journey⁵. Recovery is a mix of progress and setbacks but it’s important to remember that these ups and downs are a part of the healing process⁵. Even when it feels tough, you are not alone, and support is available.

References

1. Galderisi, S., Heinz, A., Kastrup, M., Beezhold, J., & Sartorius, N. (2015). Toward a new definition of mental health. World Psychiatry, 14(2), 231–233. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20231
2. Tracey, A. J., Bateman, A. G., Baez, S. E., & Covassin, T. (2023). Effectiveness of interventions for the improvement of mental health and well-being post-concussion: a systematic review. Brain Injury, 37(10), 1135–1158. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699052.2023.2219901
3. Howlett, J. R., Nelson, L. D., & Stein, M. B. (2022). Mental Health Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury. Biological Psychiatry (1969), 91(5), 413–420. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.09.024
4. Broshek, D. K., De Marco, A. P., & Freeman, J. R. (2015). A review of post-concussion syndrome and psychological factors associated with concussion. Brain Injury, 29(2), 228–237. https://doi.org/10.3109/02699052.2014.974674
5. Brain Injury Canada https://braininjurycanada.ca/en/living-brain-injury/adjusting-new-normal/#:~:text=information%20about%20grief-,Guilt,speak%20with%20a%20professional%20therapist.
6. Weis, C. N., Webb, E. K., deRoon-Cassini, T. A., & Larson, C. L. (2022). Emotion Dysregulation Following Trauma: Shared Neurocircuitry of Traumatic Brain Injury and Trauma-Related Psychiatric Disorders. Biological Psychiatry (1969), 91(5), 470–477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.07.023
7. Peeling JL, Muzio MR. Functional Neurologic Disorder. [Updated 2023 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551567/
8. Patron, V. G., Rustomji, Y., Yip, C., & Jenkins, L. M. (2022). Psychiatric Comorbidities in Functional Neurologic Symptom Disorder. Practical Neurology (Fort Washington, Pa.), 21(3), 71–75.
9. MacDuffie, K. E., Grubbs, L., Best, T., LaRoche, S., Mildon, B., Myers, L., Stafford, E., & Rommelfanger, K. S. (2021). Stigma and functional neurological disorder: a research agenda targeting the clinical encounter. CNS Spectrums, 26(6), 587–592. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1092852920002084
10. Managing FND. https://fndhope.org/living-fnd/

Disclaimer: The content provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you have regarding your health.