Reclaiming Life After a Concussion: A Journey of Healing and Hope
A concussion can feel like the world tilting on its axis. You’re left grappling with invisible symptoms — headaches, brain fog, anxiety, or sheer exhaustion — while life around you continues at full speed. Navigating this journey can feel lonely, scary, and frustrating... but what if recovery was about more than just physical healing?
This week on the Concussion Nerds Podcast, we sat down with Vanessa Woodburn, a concussion survivor turned health coach, whose journey from debilitating symptoms to resilience is nothing short of inspiring. Through her Bounce Back coaching program, Vanessa combines science-backed strategies and a deep sense of compassion to guide others toward healing.
Her story isn’t just about recovery; it’s about finding strength in the struggle and purpose in the process. And it’s one that resonates with countless individuals seeking light on their concussion journey.
The Turning Point: Vanessa's Story
Vanessa’s life changed in an instant. Like many, she assumed recovery from her concussion would be straightforward: rest, hydrate, and return to normal. But days stretched into weeks, and weeks into months, with no sign of improvement. The fatigue was unrelenting, and cognitive challenges made even the simplest tasks daunting.
“I felt like a shell of myself,” Vanessa shared. “I was desperate for answers and support, but I kept hitting walls in the healthcare system. That’s when I realized — if no one else was going to guide me, I had to find a way to guide myself.”
That pivotal moment inspired Vanessa to take ownership of her healing. She sought out information, experimented with lifestyle changes, and began listening to her body in a way she never had before. Slowly, progress came. But the most profound shift wasn’t just in her physical recovery — it was in her mindset.
Lisa’s Journey: A Parallel Path to Recovery
Vanessa’s story is powerful, but it’s not the only one. Lisa, a teacher and mother of two, had a similar battle after sustaining a concussion in a minor car accident. Initially, she shrugged off the incident, thinking her symptoms were “no big deal.” But within days, she started experiencing relentless headaches and debilitating fatigue that made even caring for her kids feel impossible.
“I’d walk into a room and forget why I was there,” Lisa explained. “Noise became unbearable. Grocery shopping felt like climbing a mountain.”
Ready to take the first step on your journey?
Tune into the full episode of The Concussion Nerds Podcast to hear more about Vanessa’s story and her transformative Bounce Back coaching program.
To learn more about Vanessa, check her out on Instagram at @vanessa_woodburn_coaching.
And remember: Your recovery is your own, and it’s never too late to bounce back.
Hope you enjoyed this week’s episode. Much love,
~ Natasha Wilch
