Concussions Suck.
3 years ago I hit my head,
pretty hard.
And I am only just now
starting to feel myself
again.
I didn’t pass out. I didn’t have an egg sized lump on my head. I didn’t even feel sore or bad immediately after. My symptoms were invisible, even to myself.
3 days later I flew to Europe with my partner and a few friends. I was tired and unexcitable, dismissed as jet-lag. While away I had infrequent bouts of vertigo that I didn’t connect back to my head bump. I even tried to go go-karting. It was not until returning to my desk 3 weeks later, that I realised the extreme light sensitivity I had and I clued into what may have happened.
I went to my family doctor and was diagnosed with a concussion. They explained the vertigo and I was referred to a physio who did a great job and sorting out my inner ear and releasing those symptoms.
The diagnosis was a start, but it didn't prepare me for the long, winding road ahead. What followed was a blur of invisible symptoms - tears without reason, intense brain fog, emotional storms, social withdrawal, a body and mind that felt foreign. Simple tasks became monumental, and the line between post-concussion symptoms and my own natural emotions became indistinguishable. All this while navigating growing my business, moving house, and planning my wedding.
Some of the challenges I faced,
Intense Decision fatigue: Ending each day in tears, so mentally exhausted I could not even decide what to eat.
Cognitive struggles: Simple math and tasks that once came easily became impossible.
Emotional volatility: Rapid mood swings and heightened emotional responses.
Sensory overload: Withdrawal from stimulating environments and the resulting isolation.
Physical changes: Weight fluctuations, temperature regulation issues, and loss of libido (& related guilt)
The most difficult part was the uncertainty, the constant questioning of what was "me" and what was the lingering impact of the injury. I sought help from a psychiatrist and immersed myself in deep in my yoga practice and study. I learned to surrender, to embrace presence, and to find healing within a supportive community. I discovered that I had to soften and finding grace in the process.
I still have symptoms, light sensitivity (headlights while driving at night and anything that flickers), trouble focussing in conversation, difficult recall, motion sickness, and I am still not quite sure which emotions now are natural/hormonal and which are my brain still figuring itself out. But I am so much better than where I was.
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries suck. And the lack of clear guidance sucked. I’d like to change that.
Starting at the end of May, I am holding a 6 week series for those still experiencing long term TBI symptoms. This is a space to connect with others who understand your experience, to cultivate resilience, and to rediscover hope.
This group will be limited to 7 people, and meet through a series of in person and online sessions for 2hrs each week. The sessions will involve meditation exercises, asana specifically for minimal cognitive load and gentle somatic guidance, community discussion and journaling prompts. We will focus in on gratitude, on things that are going well as well as the challenges we may be facing. We will cultivate hope and build our resiliency toolkit as we navigate into new ways of being.
Concussion is so prevalent in our active community. Please pass this on to your friends, family and colleagues who may be in need.
Registration begins with conversation to make sure this program is right for you. Please reach out by email to nicki@wildyogacollective.com
**Attendees should be at least ~18 months post concussion and be able to self-regulate.
Nicki is a Hiking Guide, Ayurvedic Pracitioner and Yoga Teacher living in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia.
Her programs prioritise playfulness, authenticity, a deep curiosity for self-discovery, connection with others, and exploration the awe-inspiring landscapes surrounding Whistler.
In her clinic, Nicki offers health consultations, tailored body treatments and detoxification programs, aimed at uncovering the root causes of ailments and enhancing your optimal wellbeing.
