Concussion Awareness Month – September
Understanding, Preventing, and Supporting Recovery
September is Concussion Awareness Month, a crucial time to increase understanding about concussions—what they are, how to spot them, and how to support recovery both physically and mentally.
Concussions are a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that disrupts brain function. They affect people of all ages and activity levels—whether from sports, accidents, falls, or everyday incidents.
Why Concussion Awareness Matters
Concussions can be complex and sometimes invisible injuries. While physical symptoms like headaches or dizziness are well-known, the cognitive and emotional effects are just as important and often less recognized.
Without proper care, concussion symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or even longer, affecting quality of life, work, and relationships. Early recognition and tailored support can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms vary widely and can appear immediately or develop gradually. They include:
- Physical: Headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise, balance problems, fatigue
- Cognitive: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, feeling mentally “foggy” or slowed down
- Emotional & Psychological: Anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings, trouble managing stress, sleep disturbances
- Behavioral: Increased impulsivity, social withdrawal, frustration, or difficulty with decision-making
Recognizing the emotional and psychological symptoms is critical because they often impact daily functioning and well-being as much as physical symptoms.
Taking Care of the Brain: What Helps Recovery
- Rest, Rest, Rest: Both physical and cognitive rest are essential immediately after injury. This means limiting activities that require intense concentration or physical exertion, like screen time, reading, or sports.
- Gradual Return to Activity: Return to school, work, or exercise should be slow and carefully monitored. Overexertion can worsen symptoms or prolong recovery.
- Brain Exercises: Gentle cognitive activities, such as puzzles, memory games, or light reading, can help stimulate recovery once symptoms start improving. Therapy-based cognitive rehabilitation can be beneficial for persistent difficulties.
- Mindfulness & Relaxation: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help manage anxiety, mood changes, and sleep problems.
- Sleep Hygiene: Prioritizing good sleep habits supports brain healing and emotional regulation. Avoid screens before bed and keep a consistent sleep schedule.
How You Can Help
- Learn to recognize concussion symptoms beyond just the physical.
- Encourage immediate medical evaluation after any head injury.
- Support rest and avoid pushing too hard, too soon.
- Listen and validate emotional and psychological struggles—these are real and part of recovery.
- Encourage professional help when symptoms persist, including psychological counselling or cognitive therapy.
- Promote safety measures such as helmets and safe play environments.
We’re Here to Help
If you or someone you love is recovering from a concussion and experiencing ongoing cognitive or emotional challenges—like anxiety, mood changes, or difficulty concentrating—PsychSolutions offers trauma-informed, evidence-based counselling tailored to your unique needs. Our therapists support holistic healing by helping you manage symptoms, rebuild confidence, and improve daily functioning.
📞 Call our admin team at 780-710-9567 to find the right therapist, or book online at: https://psychsolutions.ca/contact/