A few months ago when I was told I would have to check for a concussion, I wasn't concerned. I fell down during a volleyball practice and hit my head on the floor, but hey--- at least it wasn't a broken ankle right? No fractures, sprains, blood--- I was fine. My head hurt a little and I was feeling dizzy and nauseous, but at least it wasn't anything bad.
My mind completely changes later on when I got tested for a concussion. I barely remember the test itself, but I failed. Terribly. I couldn't remember what day of the week it was, couldn't stand up for a minute without throwing up--- I was a mess. All my life, concussions were nothing more than headaches. I mean I was never taught any differently, so how could I know? Any time I hit my head when I was younger, the protocol was always to ice. Ice, and rest for a few minutes. "You'll be fine, give it a few minutes and go back to class." That's why this time I was confused. Mad, even. Why wasn't I fine? It's been days now since I hit my head, and I still couldn't enter a room with the lights on. Nothing made sense, and it seemed like my life was slowly unwinding.
I had to miss out on many assignments that I knew would build up later in the school year. Luckily, my teachers were understanding of my condition, and gave me time afterwards to complete all missing tasks. Instead in class I would sit down with the lights off above my desk, and try my best to pay attention--- trying to teach my brain how to learn again. It didn't work for a few weeks, further upsetting me. I just didn't get it, how could something as small as a hit to my head cause this? I was so behind in both school and volleyball, that I just didn't know what to do anymore.
Something that really helped me cope with my symptoms was listening to the stories of my friend who had concussions as well. Talking with her was different to talking to a teacher or doctor--- she just got it. She knew first hand what I was struggling with, and that made me feel a little less alone. Through that, I learned that the most helpful thing for me during my concussion experience, was understanding. All I needed was for my friends, family, and teachers to just understand that I would be struggling for a while. Undoubtedly, the process of learning to manage my symptoms was difficult, but I gained an understanding of the significance of concussion awareness as a result.
Comments