How Does Concussion Recovery Differ from Physical Injuries, and Why Is Patience Key?

When I fell on the ice and got diagnosed with a concussion later that day, I thought I understood what recovery would look like. I’d follow the protocol, rest for a week, and ease back into work and activity.

But recovery didn’t go as planned.

I tried to stay on top of my schedule, answer emails, and show up to meetings. I wasn’t working out or skating, so I told myself I was “resting.” But mentally, I was overloaded. Even small tasks felt draining. I’d finish a few hours of screen time and feel disoriented, foggy, and out of sync with myself.

Unlike a sprained ankle or a pulled muscle, there was no visible marker of healing. And no clear sign I was pushing too hard—until I already had. That’s what made it so frustrating.

Concussions heal differently, and they ask something different from us, too.

Why Concussions Don’t Follow the Usual Recovery Path

With most physical injuries, recovery is linear: you ice, you rest, you rehab. Often, you can see or feel the improvement throughout your healing journey.

Concussions are different. There’s no wrap, no bruise, no crutches. Your brain does the work quietly, in the background, and progress is often uneven. Some days feel better, while others bring back the fog, the irritability, the headaches.

That unpredictability can feel disorienting, especially for athletes and high achievers who are used to being in control of their performance and progress.

Mental Load Still Counts

One thing I didn’t fully grasp at first was how much energy even non-physical tasks can take. Answering a few emails, prepping for a meeting, and reading an article—it took more out of me than I expected.

This isn’t always obvious (and for me, it definitely wasn’t!). Your brain is working hard, even if you don’t notice it at first. That’s why screen limits, sensory breaks, and cognitive rest aren’t just suggestions—they’re imperative for recovery.

If you're feeling more tired than usual after routine tasks, that’s not you being “off”—that’s your brain asking for more rest.

The Emotional Side of Healing

I didn’t expect to feel so disconnected from myself, like I was moving through the day in a haze. I wasn’t overly emotional or irritable, but I did spiral into self-doubt. I kept questioning whether I was imagining my symptoms or making too big of a deal out of them.

That second-guessing made it harder to rest and harder to ask for support (especially at work). When an injury isn’t visible, it’s easy to wonder if it’s even real or question how other people will interpret requests for breaks or other accommodations.

Emotional shifts aren’t a sign of weakness or overreaction. They’re actually part of what happens when your brain’s regulation systems are temporarily offline. For athletes who pride themselves on grit and focus, that can be hard to accept.

And for athletes from marginalized or under-resourced backgrounds, asking for time to rest can come with added layers of complexity. If you’ve grown up having to prove your toughness, or if you’ve been in spaces where rest is seen as a luxury—not a necessity—it may feel risky to speak up about needing a break. You might worry about being seen as unreliable, dramatic, or not committed enough. 

That pressure doesn’t just come from inside—it’s shaped by larger systems and expectations. These realities shape how concussion symptoms get noticed, named, and supported. They matter, and they impact recovery.

Why Patience Isn’t Just Waiting Around

It’s easy to think of patience as “doing nothing.” But in concussion recovery, patience is an active process. It means:

• Noticing the subtle signs your brain isn’t ready yet

• Saying no to things that normally feel easy

• Allowing yourself to move slower than you want to

• Asking for support—even if it feels uncomfortable

These aren’t passive choices. They’re intentional and wise and reflect care for your future self, even when the current moment feels slowed down.

Takeaway: Healing Is Still Happening, Even When It May Not Seem Like It

If you’re navigating a concussion right now, know this: it’s okay if things don’t look linear. It’s okay to be tired of resting. And it’s okay to grieve the things you can’t do while your brain is recovering.

You’re not falling behind. You’re healing in a way that asks for slowness, flexibility, and compassion. It won’t feel this hard forever.

Have you been through a concussion that didn’t feel like a “normal” injury? What surprised you most about recovery? If you’re still finding your way through it, we’re here to help. Reach out if you want to talk more about supporting your mental and emotional health during recovery.

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Legal Disclaimer:

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health treatment, psychological services, or medical advice. Reading this post does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you are seeking support for your mental health or well-being, consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional in your area.