Signs & Symptoms:
Feelings experienced after a traumatic event, such as an ACL injury, can include a number of the following
What needs to be stressed is that these symptoms are normal biological reactions to an abnormal situation, not any sign of personal weakness on the athlete's behalf. They are a normal part of grieving and recovery from trauma, a sort of situational/reactive depression. If these symptoms continue, it may be a more serious case of depression.
It is absolutely necessary that patients monitor their symptoms. The degree of trauma and number of specific events affect one's ability to cope. Again, these are not signs of weakness. It is better to approach someone early than to wait for the symptoms to worsen.
- Numbness, feelings of disconnectedness
- Changing emotions such a shock, denial, guilt, or self-blame
- Extreme sadness, crying
- Mood changes: anxiousness, nervousness, pessimism, indifference
- Inability to concentrate
- Recurring memories of bad dreams about the event
- Social withdrawal, isolation, strained person relationships
- Physical symptoms such as unexplained aches and pains, nausea, fatigue, loss of energy
- Changes in eating habits or sleeping patterns
- Increased consumption of alcohol
What needs to be stressed is that these symptoms are normal biological reactions to an abnormal situation, not any sign of personal weakness on the athlete's behalf. They are a normal part of grieving and recovery from trauma, a sort of situational/reactive depression. If these symptoms continue, it may be a more serious case of depression.
It is absolutely necessary that patients monitor their symptoms. The degree of trauma and number of specific events affect one's ability to cope. Again, these are not signs of weakness. It is better to approach someone early than to wait for the symptoms to worsen.