When you get a concussion, life can suddenly feel like it has come to a halt. Markus, a 24-year-old from Aarhus, knows this all too well. He has experienced several concussions, but one specific incident five years ago changed his life dramatically.
A shot that changed everything
It all started at football training, when Markus was hit in the head by a hard shot from a teammate. “It felt like a grenade exploded right next to me. My eyes were spinning, and sounds became distant,” Markus recalls.
He was in his final year of high school and thought he just needed to rest for a few days. But days turned into weeks, and weeks into months.
Conflicting advice from doctors
Markus’ first doctor advised him to completely isolate himself from stimuli: closed curtains and almost no activity. He followed this advice for two months but only felt worse, his world became darker and more isolating.
Later, two other doctors gave completely different recommendations. One suggested painkillers and ignoring the pain, while the other gave advice somewhere in between. Navigating such conflicting guidance was overwhelming.
A new approach and small steps forward
Four months later, Markus found a neuro-optometrist through his mother, who had also suffered a concussion. There, he received a specialised training program focusing on eye movements, balance, and gradually increasing activity. “It got me thinking that I could actively do something to get better,” Markus says.
He also began taking walks to rediscover joy in everyday life. At first, he only saw his closest family and his girlfriend, and only for short periods. Over time, he learned to listen to his needs and tell friends, “It’s okay if we just walk in silence.”
Setbacks and uncertainty
During his recovery, Markus experienced many setbacks. “It was like a sine curve, good days followed by tough days. It’s frustrating, but completely normal,” he says. Gradually, Markus learned to accept these fluctuations and better understand how to adjust his activity.
His biggest frustration was the uncertainty. With a knee injury, you get a clear plan from the doctor. With concussion, the uncertainty is huge, making it harder to believe that things will improve.
The role of physical activity and joy
Markus began prioritising physical activity because it improved his mental well-being. “I chose to focus on things that made me happy. Even if it caused a small increase in symptoms, it was worth it.”
Gradually, he found balance: “I learned to recognise my limits and stop before I went too far.”
What Markus wishes he had known
If Markus could give his past self advice, it would be:
- Don’t isolate for too long. Start small activities early, even if they’re minimal.
- Find new activities that don’t strain you, like gentle walks, sudoku, or similar.
- Explain your needs to those around you. “I wish I’d had material to give my loved ones so I didn’t have to explain everything myself,” Markus says. The Heads app offers resources you can share.
It gets better, with time and support
Today, five years later, Markus feels almost fully recovered. He learned a lot about himself during the process: “In a way, I wouldn’t want to be without my concussion. It taught me what truly matters to me.”
Markus’ story shows that it’s possible to come back from a concussion, even if the road is long and difficult. The key is early support, structure, and finding activities that bring joy.
Need help with your recovery?
With the Heads app, you get a structured recovery plan you can try free for 14 days. Download it from the App Store or Google Play and start your journey back today.
