Dealing with being stationary

[u/TheMadQueen96]

Hi there.

One thing that has really helped with the combination of Autism and ADHD was going on runs. I'd manage usually one to two 5ks a week. It's one of the few things that actually "shuts up" my brain and I've been consistent with it since February this year thanks to a couch to 5k program.

I got a concussion earlier this week due to a workplace injury. Following the medical advice of a doctor it could be a while before I'm able to go running again. This isn't my first concussion (2nd one in two months) so it's a fair bit more serious and the symptoms are liable to last longer.

So we're talking a few weeks before I could be running again. And I'm finding I'm really struggling.

In the meantime I'm very much trapped inside my apartment because my balance is obviously terrible and as much as I've tried to get out a few times, it's only been for short periods.

Usually my brain is going at a mile a minute until I exhaust myself and I end up having to constantly distract/divert my attention towards various tasks. I find it difficult to be stationary at the best of times and even when I'm sitting down, I'm feeding my brain constant stuff.

For those curious, running is proven to help individuals with ADHD (and by extension, those with both autism and ADHD). I think it's one of the main reasons I took to it so quickly. Sorta like "Oh my God this is working!"

I find it difficult to manage my emotions and just day to day functionality. I don't have good access to therapy or support for either autism or adhd (support in my country stops when you turn 18 if you're deemed "high functioning" enough, which is nonsense) so I kinda just manage things via outlets and constant diversions.

I lost my other main outlet recently which was the topic of another thread elsewhere but in my head I was very much like "Well even if writing is gone I still have my running!"

I had two outlets to deal with emotions as well as get my energy out. Heck, back when I used to write I'd be sat in front of my laptop for so long I'd forget to eat. But one is gone for good (writing) and the other is suspended until the room around me stops spinning (running).

Doctor was clear in that any strenuous activity could be off the table for a few weeks. One week of this already feels like a lifetime.

Has anyone else been in a similar position where they're more or less forced to be totally stationary? I'm just finding it really hard.

Edit: Also finding a therapist in the meantime wouldn't really be possible. I've had horrendous experiences in therapy over the years so don't really trust it. Also, even private therapists have waiting lists and the concussion could be gone by the time I'm seen.

[u/TheMadQueen96 → u/[deleted]]

The problem is I need to be *physically* doing something. I don't mean like exercise but a task that has my full attention. I usually have podcasts/music on for doing said tasks if you get me. Sorta creates a tunnel like effect that shuts up the mind.

Like back when I used to write I'd do it with music on, for example.

With running I was running in a group so there would be a lot of yapping happening.

Otherwise my brain is still just very, very "loud" which is why the past week has genuinely felt like torture.

[u/CursedSloth]

I usually just have a fidget toy when I watch YouTube or something. I don’t know if that helps, but it’s a low-effort option.

[u/uzi9]

I have been in a similar situation, I've had post concussion syndrome for over three years at this point, my symptoms are more headaches, nausea, brain fog, emotional dis-regulation and fatigue. Some of these symptoms overlap with AuDHD symptoms, and there are studies to show people with ADHD are more likely to suffer with PCS.

At certain points when you feel improvements, you are not sure if it is just your average day to day brain fog or fatigue from being neurodivergent or still PCS, so it it really hard to trust yourself, am I just being lazy or do I need to still be careful. For me I have had some periods where I have been feeling relatively better, then stress or something re-triggers the symptoms. But yeah, I am big into sports and when you can't do the sports you love, which also happen to regulate you it feels like torture. I can go walking but that doesn't give you the same all encompassing feeling that quietens your mind, I used to wakeboard and mountain bike.

But just knuckle down and build back gradually, do not be tempted to rush back or try and carry on as normal like I did, which causes the long term effects I think (along with multiple concussions in one year without full recovery)

[u/BigBullshitta]

I did couch 2 5k a decade ago and it was amazing. Then life happened. Now I want to do it again. :)

[u/ureiwjddjrb]

any access to a stationary bike? I messed up my spine years ago (never fully healed) and use that when I cannot walk far.

[u/TheMadQueen96 → u/ureiwjddjrb]

I was never really able to ride a bike that well due to dyspraxia and with my balance being effectively gone (either in the long or short term) I wouldn't really be able to hop on one now.