--- title: How Writing Can Help You During Concussion Recovery description: Past patient shares how journaling helped them see new meaning in life, and how life was improving during their concussion recovery. 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How Writing Can Help You During Concussion Recovery # How Writing Can Help You During Concussion Recovery ![Image of Cognitive FX Team](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hubfs/Rounded-C-R.jpg) Cognitive FX Team • Updated on 24 January, 2019 • Medically Reviewed by [Dr. Alina Fong](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/dr-alina-fong-phd) [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/how-writing-can-help-you-during-concussion-recovery%20&body=Check%20out%20https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/how-writing-can-help-you-during-concussion-recovery&media=https://info.cognitivefxusa.com/hubfs/How%20Writing%20Can%20Help%20You%20During%20Concussion%20Recovery.png](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/how-writing-can-help-you-during-concussion-recovery%20&body=Check%20out%20https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/how-writing-can-help-you-during-concussion-recovery&media=https://info.cognitivefxusa.com/hubfs/How%20Writing%20Can%20Help%20You%20During%20Concussion%20Recovery.png) Past patient, Anna Empey shares her experiences in a series of blog posts including ["Perspective After a Brain Injury,"](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/perspective-after-brain-injury-throughout-recovery) ["10 Things I Wish I had Know Before my Brain Injury,"](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/10-things-know-before-concussion) and here in this post.   When I first was recovering, I felt like I couldn’t find words to write about my experience. I couldn’t explain either written or vocally how I was feeling or what I was going through. Over time, writing became something that helped me learn how to gather my thoughts and express myself. I focused more on the act of writing something down rather than if it was written perfectly or exactly accurate. Continually writing helped me find ways to get better at it. I really got into writing after EPIC Treatment at Cognitive FX, a few years after my first injury. I wanted to find a way to document what I was feeling and learning and experiencing moving forward. It was my own words that were a reminder of things I hoped were or would be true. At that point, I hoped that my brain was working better. I hoped that I could do and enjoy things that I had previously stopped doing. I hoped that I could find a new normal, and that I didn’t need to limit or undermine myself or my capabilities any longer. I now know these things to be true, and it was through writing a few times a week that I could see and feel the truth for myself. My own words showed me that things were changing, that I was changing, and that my brain was working better. I started out writing 3 things that I was thankful for that day, I focused on writing a couple times a week. Then I started adding things about my day including what I did, what I felt, and what I learned. **When I journal now it looks something like this:** *Today I am thankful for:* 1. That I found my car keys after only looking in a few places. 2. A smile from a stranger. 3. Microwaves, so I don’t have to eat my lunch cold. *Today I:* 1. Finished all my neck and shoulder stretches. 2. Made my bed. 3. Read a book for a few minutes. 4. Made dinner. 5. Talked with one of my friends on the phone. *Today I learned:* 1. Sometimes we all need space and time to process things around us; even those who haven’t been injured need this support. 2. That drinking enough water can help a headache go away. 3. Taking breaks at the right time, and taking multiple breaks a day helps me have more energy throughout the day. *Today I felt:* 1. Unsure 2. Happy 3. Courage 4. Hope 5. Tired *Today I thought deeply about:* How do I use the feeling of fear to encourage me to take an action that actually helps me move forward? As I looked at each of these aspects over time, my answers started to change. The activities I was doing changed, my emotions changed, and I could see I was making progress and learning new things each day. This practice also shifted my mindset to focus on the small victories. Helping me see and believe that even little steps towards progress are more important than huge steps to progress. There are many different types of journaling that can be helpful for recovery. Writing in and of itself is something that can help you find new words and explore ways to express yourself. For me, it was a record that helped me see and find changes over time from my own perspective. For more ideas on journaling we encourage you to check out this article about [journaling for recovery here](http://www.recovery.org/pro/articles/journaling-as-an-aid-to-recovery/). There is also this article here that talks about [10 ways to journal to aid in healing and growth](https://tinybuddha.com/blog/10-journaling-tips-to-help-you-heal-grow-and-thrive/).   [![Learn More About EPIC Treatment Here ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2921058/c95069da-c679-4134-b0cd-04a10dfac6ed.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2921058/c95069da-c679-4134-b0cd-04a10dfac6ed) --- ![Image of Cognitive FX Team](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rounded-C-R.jpg?height=150&name=Rounded-C-R.jpg) ### About the author [Cognitive FX Team](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/cognitive-fx-team) The "Cognitive FX Team" is a collaborative ensemble of distinguished doctors, therapists, and practitioners. Our experts are pioneers in the field of neuroimaging and concussion treatment. With extensive experience and a strong commitment to patient care, our team excels in utilizing cutting-edge technologies, such as functional MRI (fMRI), to provide personalized diagnostic and treatment strategies. Our renowned professionals have published groundbreaking research, developed innovative neuroimaging biomarkers, and conducted thousands of individualized patient assessments. We take pride in our holistic approach to patient care, focusing on physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of recovery. As leaders in the industry, the Cognitive FX Team is dedicated to advancing the science of concussion diagnosis and treatment to provide our patients with the highest level of care and support. [Follow me on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/cognitivefx) ## Related Posts ![Journaling Techniques and Ideas After a Brain Injury](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Journaling%20Techniques%20and%20Ideas%20After%20a%20Brain%20Injury.png?height=175&name=Journaling%20Techniques%20and%20Ideas%20After%20a%20Brain%20Injury.png) ### Journaling Techniques and Ideas After a Brain Injury [Guest Author - Aimee Mortensen](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/cognitive-fx-team) Journaling is one of the greatest therapeutic techniques available. Journaling is free, confidential, and convenient. It offers you the opportunity to be your own therapist. You might think... [Read the full article ](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/journaling-techniques-and-ideas-after-a-brain-injury) ![What Your TBI Survivor May Need from You as a Loved One or Caregiver](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/What%20Your%20TBI%20Survivor%20May%20Need%20from%20You%20as%20a%20Loved%20One%20or%20Caregiver.png?height=175&name=What%20Your%20TBI%20Survivor%20May%20Need%20from%20You%20as%20a%20Loved%20One%20or%20Caregiver.png) ### What Your TBI Survivor May Need from You as a Caregiver | Cognitive FX [Guest Author -- Aimee Mortensen](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/cognitive-fx-team) When someone you love sustains a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion, your whole world can change. You are launched into a world of uncertainty about the injury, recovery, and, perhaps, even... [Read the full article ](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/what-your-tbi-survivor-may-need-from-loved-one-caretaker) ![recovering-from-post-concussion-syndrome](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/recovering-from-post-concussion-syndrome.png?height=175&name=recovering-from-post-concussion-syndrome.png) ### Recovering from Post-Concussion Syndrome: Facts & Stories ![Image of Dr. Mark Allen, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mark_150px.webp?height=70&name=Mark_150px.webp) [Dr. Mark Allen, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/cognitive-fx-team) Are you still experiencing post-concussion syndrome symptoms even after resting like your doctor recommended? If you’re frustrated, tired, and in pain because your concussion symptoms won’t go away,... [Read the full article ](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/recovering-from-post-concussion-syndrome) ![Self-care_and_its_importance-blog](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Self-care_and_its_importance-blog.png?height=175&name=Self-care_and_its_importance-blog.png) ### Self-Care: 5 Tips for TBI Survivors and Family Members ![Image of Ashley van Biljon](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/8eff68bdf859f5654dd23a56acd2c5f9) [Ashley van Biljon](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/cognitive-fx-team) After a brain injury, survivors and family members often describe having difficulty adjusting to life’s changes and losses. Survivors oftentimes face post-injury challenges that make can recovery... [Read the full article ](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/self-care-5-tips-for-tbi-survivors-and-family-members) ![Support-for-parents-when-shild-has-post-concussion-syndrome-](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Support-for-parents-when-shild-has-post-concussion-syndrome-.png?height=175&name=Support-for-parents-when-shild-has-post-concussion-syndrome-.png) ### Support for Parents After Your Child or Teen is Diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome [Guest Author -- Aimee Mortensen](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/cognitive-fx-team) Parents who support their children recovering from post-concussion syndrome or symptoms (PCS) are in challenging circumstances. Many times parents and their injured child, are not fully [supported...](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/what-your-tbi-survivor-may-need-from-loved-one-caretaker) [Read the full article ](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/support-for-parents-after-your-child-or-teen-is-diagnosed-with-post-concussion-syndrome) ![Perspective After Brain Injury Throughout Recovery](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Perspective%20After%20Brain%20Injury%20Throughout%20Recovery.png?height=175&name=Perspective%20After%20Brain%20Injury%20Throughout%20Recovery.png) ### Perspective After Brain Injury Throughout Recovery ![Image of Cognitive FX Team](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rounded-C-R.jpg?height=70&name=Rounded-C-R.jpg) [Cognitive FX Team](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/cognitive-fx-team) ### Everything Changed After My Brain Injury Past patient, Anna Empey shares her experiences in a series of blog posts including ["10 Things I Wish I had known Before my Brain Injury"](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/10-things-know-before-concussion), ["Journaling Through...](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/how-writing-can-help-you-during-concussion-recovery) [Read the full article ](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/perspective-after-brain-injury-throughout-recovery) #### Proven Results Improvement in 77% of Participants Published peer-reviewed research shows that Cognitive FX treatment leads to meaningful symptom reduction in post-concussion symptoms for 77% of study participants. Cognitive FX is the only PCS clinic with third-party validated treatment outcomes. [ READ FULL STUDY ](https://www.tvnp.nl/inhoud/tijdschrift_artikel/NP-19-2-3/Cognitive-FX-behandeling-voor-aanhoudende-klachten-na-een-hersenschudding-Observatie-van-verandering-in-functioneren) [![Main_Logo_500px](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Main_Logo_500px.png?width=257&height=78&name=Main_Logo_500px.png "Main_Logo_500px")](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com) Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment 280 W River Park Drive Suite 110 Provo, UT 84604 [Follow us on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/cognitivefx) [Follow us on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/cognitive_fx) #### Quick Links - [Blog](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog) - [Sign-Up for Free Consultation](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/start-here-paperwork-old) #### Support - [Contact Us](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/contactus) - [Patient Results](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/treatment-outcomes) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/privacypolicy) - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/terms-and-conditions) #### Solutions - [Good Fit Quiz](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/start-here-paperwork-old) - [EPIC Treatment](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/treatment) - [Post-Concussion Syndrome Information](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/post-concussion-syndrome-and-post-concussion-symptoms-pcs) - [fNCI Brain Scan](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/about-fnci) - [Online Course](https://cognitivefx.thinkific.com/courses/headaches) #### Company - [About](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/research-history) - [Press & Media](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/media) - [Our Team](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/our-team) ### Sign Up For Our Newsletter Copyright © Cognitive FX 2024. 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