anxiety about injury

[James54]

Hi guys, I’m james and i’m 17, i have struggle with high anxiety and OCD for notebooks thant 3 years now and i just wanted to reach out that today at school i got hit in the head with a basketball not too hard but it was a fair knock. There is no bruise or lump or anything it’s just that the internet has got me really worried because my head is of course a bit sore but i’ve heard about brain bleeds i worry that that is what is going on because my head is sore and i start feeling the symptoms but i don’t know if there real or not please help

[Sophie_M]

HI James,

We recommend reaching out to your GP or attending the emergency department of your local hospital to get your head checked out and allay your fears. 

Please check in and let us know how you're getting on whenever you feel up to it.

[Emmen]

Hello James54,

Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. I've got hit on the head by a soccer ball before (left a lump too) and I'm perfectly fine. I'm sure you will be too 🙂

I agree with Sophie M that the best way to allay your fears is to visit your GP or a local hospital, especially if you can't stop feeling anxious about it.

Warmly,
M

[James54]

Hi thanks for the reply i have talked to parents and they think i’ll be fine and that i’m just worried about it because i do this with every injury i just can’t stop and i’m still very scared i might die or something

[Emmen]

Hi James54,

I'm glad you've confided in your parents about how you're feeling.

It's important to distinguish what our anxiety tells us from what the actual situation is. As anxious individuals, we tend to often think of the worst case scenario, and unfortunately in the case of injuries, we end up fearing we'll die. The reality of your situation is that you've been hit by a basketball and got a lump on your head (a common injury for anyone daring to play a ball game). Soreness is a normal feeling after getting bruised. So remind yourself of that and hopefully that'll control your anxiety.

On another note, I wonder if you use any mindfulness apps to control your anxiety? I find that it helps me. I'd suggest Smiling Mind or Stop, Breathe & Think. It helps control your breathing and puts you in a calmer state of mind.

Warmly,
M