Supporting Teammates with Concussions
By Ryann Bloom
Being a part of a team is an investment, Your teammates become the people you spend all of your time with, the people you rely on and the ones you turn to for support. When a teammate gets injured, it changes the team dynamic. It’s hard to see part of your team in pain. But what about when the injury isn’t so obvious? Supporting a peer through a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) is essential to their recovery process.
Studies suggest that only 50% of concussions get reported to healthcare professionals. In my personal experience, I felt I had reasons to not seek out help. I worried that I would get replaced on the team, that I would lose skills if I took time off, that I wouldn’t truly be part of the team from the sidelines; I didn’t know what would happen, but I was too afraid to risk it.
While it is ultimately up to the individual with the brain injury to seek out help, they may need extra support to do so. With some education, encouragement and support, you can help create an atmosphere where people are comfortable seeking the help they need.
Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of concussions
A TBI can look different for everyone. Some may seem tired, some easily distracted or confused, some may appear dazed, some experience all and some may experience none. It’s important to be aware and look out for these signs among your teammates, especially if you participate in a sport with high contact or high risk of collision. I didn’t understand the severity of my head injuries until I had people around me noticing changes in my behaviour. That was when I started to think, “Okay, maybe this is worse than I thought.” To educate yourself on signs and symptoms take a look at Parachutes Concussion Guide.
Encourage them to speak up about their injury
Speaking up about a concussion can be intimidating on your own. Since there is no physical evidence, athletes may feel like their injury is not that serious or that they can push through to the end of a game. Concussions should be taken just as seriously as any visible injury. Stress to them the importance of taking the rest they need in order to recover. Encourage them to speak to the coach or athletic trainer so that they can start their recovery process immediately after they suffer a TBI.
Support them throughout their recovery process
Injuries can cause emotional distress to athletes. Being forced to sit out of sport can cause anger, frustration and sadness. When it’s the brain that’s injured, all these negative emotions may be heightened. Be sure to continuously check on your teammate throughout their recovery to see how they’re doing.
Help ease them back into play when they’re ready
When their healthcare professional permits them to return to sport, remind them that it is still important to take it slow. Symptoms may come back when they begin to participate in physical activities so encourage them to take breaks. Coaches will always try and get the best out of their players, so it’s important as teammates to ensure you support each other through the recovery process. They have to listen to how their head is reacting to the activities and be willing to sit out a little longer if they feel the symptoms start to resurface.
Trying to create a supportive environment for your teammates could be approached with some difficulties. There are many people that suffer in silence and are afraid to speak up about the symptoms they are going through and the last thing they want to do is become a detriment to the team. That’s why it’s imperative to constantly encourage them to take the proper recovery steps and seek out professional assistance if needed. Let them know they are not alone through the process and become a teammate on and off the field by showing your support!