What is something you’re proud of?
Ronnie | Tāmaki Makaurau
Ronnie shares the emotional and physical toll of post-concussion syndrome and how a simple act of unconditional support from a friend became a turning point in his recovery.
Content warning: this post discusses sensitive mental health topics.
“In 2017 I was play fighting with my son and he accidentally hit his knee into the back of my head. And being the staunch father that I was at that time, I didn’t let on that it was that serious. But over the next two years, I realised that actually, that impact to the back of my head caused post-concussion syndrome. That recovery process was really difficult, but I actually saw the impact of that through how it impacted my whānau. And I think in the moment, you don’t recognise those things because you’re just so insular – it’s all about trying to recover yourself.
I reflect on that now with a lot of mamae (hurt), a lot of sadness that they were impacted. One of the symptoms that came through that process was just around being around people in particular – being around lots of people and loud noises, all of that sort of stuff. I essentially couldn’t do that. And so my day-to-day often looked like just being in my room, shades drawn, lying on my bed, silent, just trying to recover and rest.
I felt a real guilt – a real guilt as far as my whānau were going out, connecting with family, connecting with our group of friends. And the guilt part came from the fact that I couldn’t engage, in that I was just… in handcuffs. But a friend of mine got in contact with me and – no expectations – he just says, ‘Hey bro, let’s go for a walk.’ And that’s exactly what we did.
I didn’t feel any pressure as far as having to talk, having to share, having to explain what it was that I was going through. We were silent when we needed to be silent. And if there was conversation, we engaged in that conversation. And in that moment, what I was proud about was, I recovered over those two years. But I think back on it now and I recognise that, that was a really important first step for me. Just seeing in someone that aroha, that love towards me that had no stipulations and had nothing attached to it. It was absolutely just him looking out for a mate.”
🩷 Where to get help:
1737: The nationwide, 24/7 mental health support line. Call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor.
Youthline: Free call 0800 376 633, free text 234. Nationwide service focused on supporting young people.
