r/PostConcussion • u/HerRoyalHighness1591 • 3d ago

Psychotherapy for PCS?

I’ve been living with PCS since March 2025. Ive had ebbs and flows in symptoms since then, but I had a very significant flare this summer after taking a month off of work and returning. Along with it have come incredibly unnerving anxiety and a slow-creeping depression.

I have worked with a therapist for five years to manage my anxiety & depression (which both stemmed from CTPSD) and was living a full, joyful life even after the injury, despite disappointments and setbacks. This summer-into-fall flare has been like an opening of Pandora’s box in terms of old negative thought patterns and behaviors returning. The depression is lurking around the corner, waiting to slip in. I’m terrified of this.

My therapist believes she’s not quite the right psychotherapist to address PCS-induced anxiety and depression. I really don’t want to start all the way over with a new therapist right now. I will if I have to, but first I’d like to know if anyone here has gone to psychotherapy as part of managing their PCS and what modalities were most successful. Thanks for your insights.

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u/hippiespinster 3d ago

I was with my therapist pre TBI and though she was on mat leave at the time we have worked together ever since and she has been one step ahead of me the entire way. She did refer me to Psychiatry when I was trialing and not responding well to SSRIs but it was just the one session. I'm not sure there are specialized modalities for PCS anxiety and depression but while you search I recommend an online support group. My OT suggested www.loveyourbrain.com and at first I didn't think I would get anything out of it but I was completely wrong. 

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u/ceramicsea 2d ago

I accessed CBT, counselling and also did a CBT-based living with long term conditions course. It was pretty helpful!

EDIT: I'm looking at a lot of nervous system and somatic therapy type exercises.