Concussions

For 13 years I played the sport of American football. Mainly as a center and defensive tackle, so I took a lot of shots to the head. Every fall from the ages of 6 to 20 I played the sport I loved and studied more than anything else on this planet. Unfortunately participating in that sport also derailed my life in my early 20’s due to multiple and repeated undiagnosed concussions. I’m still dealing with some issues stemming from the concussions, but it’s improving by the day. Please if your son or daughter decides to play a contact sport, keep an eye on them. Do not let them continue if they’re not fit. I assure you that the hell that I’ve been put through isn’t worth it. Migraines, anxiety, depression, dark thoughts were all part and parcel in a normal day for me. Now at 26 I’m greatly improved and I couldn’t be more thankful, but I still have to be careful and be mindful of how my mind is reacting to stimuli.

For those already struggling with depression and/or anxiety,, I know it’s difficult at times to keep going. You have to keep your head up though and think about the good in your life. Your friends and family do care. I lost a good buddy to sucide while he was stationed in Korea with the US Army, when we were 19 years old and it still really hurts. I know you’re in pain, but it’s not worth the heartache you’ll cause the ones that love and care for you. Seek help if you’re really in the woods. I finally did and it’s been instrumental in getting me back to form again. Don’t think just because you’re in a bad place that you’re unable to crawl out of this hole, I assure you it will get better. Just stay the course and keep your head held high.

Do not listen to the voice telling you nobody would care. That voice is absolutely wrong. If nobody else cares, I DO!! I know how it feels to walk this road alone, it’s not fun at all and honestly it kinda sucks, but you don’t. just don’t call it a day because you’re having a rough go of things. All storms eventually pass and I assure you that this is no different. 6 years ago I was convinced I wouldn’t see the age of 30, now I’m more driven than ever. You just have to continue the good fight.

I won’t lie, there are parts of me that are scared of the future. You hear about what happened with “Iron'' Mike Webster and it really makes you take a second to appreciate everything you have. Way too many former athletes and military individuals die of a self inflicted wound. We have to break down the barriers of this illness and ;learn ways to help people. It takes a community to raise a child, it also take a community to break down the stigma surrounding concussions and the issues post concussion syndrome sufferers deal with.

In closing I would just like to say that all of you struggling are in my thoughts and I wish you nothing, but good fortune for your life and future. Just remember to cling on to the good things and the good times and let the dark thoughts and negativity go, you’ll be much better off for it. Take care of your mind. Get all the nutrients you need and remember your mind coukd use a rest day at times as well.

“Don;t give up, Don’t ever give up”.:- Jim Valvano