Research In Action

As the pediatric psychologist in the Minds Matter Concussion Program, my holiday season tends to be a very busy time of year. While many patients who sustained a concussion during the summer or early in the academic year are feeling fully recovered, others find that their concussion symptoms are lasting longer than they may have anticipated. Patients often state that they feel annoyed, confused, or stressed out about their ongoing concussion symptoms. Some patients report symptoms of anxiety or depression, an experience shared by around 1 in 3 youth who are diagnosed with concussion. 

The emotional impact of injury can worsen during the holidays. Academically, my patients are working hard to study for exams and to complete make-up assignments after weeks of not feeling 100% at school. Socially, many are coping with changes in their daily routine during school vacations, overstimulation during travel or family gatherings, and feeling disappointed that they may not have the relaxing break they had anticipated. Some youth athletes are missing the playoff season in their respective sports and feel angry that, despite their best efforts, they have not yet been cleared to return to play following concussion. These factors, collectively, make it clear why youth with concussion feel an added strain this time of year. 

We know that concussions impact how youth feel physically as well how they are functioning academically, socially, and emotionally. These outcomes, collectively known as health-related quality of life, have been shown to be impacted for up to six months following concussion. Youth with trouble sleeping or mental health difficulties are particularly vulnerable after injury. Research from the Minds Matter Concussion Program has shown that youth with pre-injury mental health needs report more emotional symptoms after injury and face longer recoveries. 

Each concussion is unique, as is the journey to recovery for each youth following injury. We can support youth recovering from a concussion by acknowledging that these injuries can impact how kids are doing physically, academically, socially, and emotionally, and that the impact can extend for months. 

Through its translational research approach, the Minds Matter Concussion Program continues to gain increased knowledge of the intersection of mental health and concussion, with the goal of informing policy and continuing to determine best practices within our clinical care model to improve health outcomes after injury. 

The Minds Matter Concussion Program clinical team includes physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social work, neuropsychology, and psychology support staff that help pediatric patients not only recovery physically but get back to their day-to-day lives on the athletic field, inside the classroom, and in their free time.