Breaking Free from Stuckness: A Journey Through PPCS
I’ve faced injuries, surgeries, and crutches more times than I can count. But nothing prepared me for the relentless nothingness that persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) trapped me in.
With no definitive recovery timeline, I found myself emotionally flat-lining. For the first time, I couldn’t strategize my way out of a challenge because my cognitive abilities simply weren’t there.
During those years of standstill, I lost the privilege of dreaming big. Instead, my focus narrowed to the simplest tasks—like making a cup of tea in under 25 minutes. I mourned the life I had before and felt overwhelmed by an all-encompassing sense of stuckness.
How I Began to Move Forward:
While there’s no magic solution to PPCS recovery, time—combined with intentional effort—helped me find my way:
Consistent effort during recovery: I attended many recovery appointments every week and worked hard both during and outside of appointments to focus on hitting small successes each day, week or month.
Mindset growth: Committing to a year-long, intensive personal development journey taught me new ways of thinking, showing up and leading my life with intentionality.
Patience with time: While action and recovery appointments mattered, ultimately, progress unfolded slowly but steadily over time.
Takeaway:
Recovery can feel stagnant and painfully slow, but small, intentional steps and patience can lead to breakthroughs. Even when life feels like it’s standing still, know that healing is happening—bit by bit.
What’s one small step you can take today to break free from stuckness?
