A concussion does not just affect your brain's ability to process information. It disrupts the systems that regulate emotion, stress, and nervous system arousal — often causing significant increases in anxiety and overwhelm, sometimes weeks after the initial injury.
Why Concussions and Anxiety Are Connected
The brain structures involved in concussion recovery — particularly the prefrontal cortex and limbic system — are also responsible for emotional regulation. When disrupted, emotional responses become harder to regulate, your stress threshold drops, and your nervous system stays in a state of heightened alert.
What Post-Concussion Anxiety Often Looks Like
- New anxiety, or existing anxiety that is significantly worse
- Panic attacks that did not occur before the injury
- Difficulty in busy, loud, or stimulating environments
- Emotional overwhelm that feels disproportionate
- Constant worry about recovery or the future
- Feeling on edge without a clear reason
When Trauma and Concussion Overlap
Many people who sustain a concussion in a car accident are also dealing with the psychological trauma of the crash itself. These conditions compound each other — and both benefit from trauma-informed counselling. If your accident happened in BC, ICBC may cover your counselling at no cost.
Post-Concussion Anxiety Is Treatable
Book a free consultation to talk through what you are experiencing.
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