Concussion awareness in Sport

Concussion in Sport: Understanding the Hidden Impact on Mind and Focus

In recent years, concussion in sport has gained more attention, and rightly so. It's no longer just seen as “part of the game” or something to “shake off.” We now understand that the effects of concussion can go far beyond the initial blow, impacting not just physical health, but long-term mental performance, mindfulness, and emotional well-being.

At Unbreakable Mind, I work with athletes who are recovering from the effects of concussion, helping them regain control, rebuild their mental clarity, and protect their future performance.

What Is a Concussion, and Why Is It So Serious?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. It may or may not involve a loss of consciousness.

Even a single concussion can cause:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Problems with memory and attention
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Mood changes, including irritability or depression
• Sleep disruption

For athletes, this can translate into:

• Poor reaction times
• Lack of focus during training or competition
• Increased anxiety under pressure
• Difficulty processing tactics or decision-making
• A drop in confidence and consistency

And in some cases, these effects can linger for months or years, especially if concussions are repeated or ignored.

How Concussion Affects Mindfulness and Mental Clarity

Mindfulness, the ability to remain present, focused, and calm under pressure, is essential in sport. But after a concussion, athletes often report feeling “foggy” or disconnected.

They may:

• Struggle to stay in the moment
• Experience racing or intrusive thoughts
• Find it difficult to maintain routines or motivation
• Feel emotionally out of sync — either flat or overwhelmed

This can make it harder to bounce back from mistakes, follow coaching instructions, or engage with the sport in a meaningful way.

At Unbreakable Mind, I use psychological tools and techniques to help athletes retrain focus, restore clarity, and rebuild emotional regulation after concussion.

Raising Awareness:
Prevention Is Mental Protection

Despite growing awareness, concussions are still under-reported and under-managed — especially in contact sports and among young athletes.

To reduce long-term effects, we must shift the mindset around concussion:

• It's not weakness to report a head injury, it's wisdom.
• Returning too soon puts your brain, your sport, and your future at risk.
• Mental recovery is just as important as physical clearance.

Unbreakable Mind works with teams, schools, and sports organisations to deliver educational workshops that cover:

• Signs and symptoms of concussion (immediate and delayed)
• Psychological recovery strategies
• Return-to-play protocols
• The importance of early intervention
• Building a culture where mental health and safety are prioritised

Rebuilding After Concussion:
Psychological Support Matters

Recovery from concussion isn't linear. Even when physical symptoms subside, mental clarity and emotional resilience may take longer to return. That's where psychological support can make all the difference.

I support athletes by:

• Helping them understand what's happening in their mind and body
• Teaching focus and mindfulness techniques to reduce brain fog
• Reducing anxiety and fear of re-injury
• Supporting return-to-play decisions with confidence and clarity
• Rebuilding self-belief and mental sharpness

Protect the Brain. Protect the Game.

Your brain is your most valuable asset as an athlete. Whether you're recovering from a concussion or want to create a safer sporting environment, I'm here to help.

At Unbreakable Mind, I believe that mental strength begins with mental care, and that includes awareness, recovery, and prevention of head trauma.