Living in the Shadows: My Personal Perspective With Mental Health After a Concussion

J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2025 Aug 4. doi: 10.1111/jpm.70017. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Concussions are a common injury, with many experiencing mental health related symptoms after injury. Despite the persistence of these symptoms, it is not well detailed the impacts of anxiety and depressive-like symptoms.

AIM: This lived experience narrative recounts the authors lived experience with multiple concussion injuries and mental health symptoms.

METHODS: The author used a narrative approach to detail the multiple experiences with concussion. The author reflected on these experiences, drawing on their experience as a registered nurse.

FINDINGS: The narrative reveals persistent concussion symptoms are multifactorial. It illustrates how the interdisciplinary mental health care team can benefit concussion patients experiencing anxiety and depressive-like symptoms.

DISCUSSION: The author reflects on their journey and calls for a shift to a more person-centred approach in concussion care. They also highlight areas for improvement in mental health services. Lastly, future directions for mental health nursing are provided.

CONCLUSION: This narrative highlights the anxiety and depressive symptoms experienced after concussion. By incorporating mental health nurses within concussion care, mental health issues can be addressed in a timely and approriate manner.

PMID:40755366 | DOI:10.1111/jpm.70017