Harry Potter: “Professor? Is this real, or is it all in my head?”

Professor Dumbledore: “Of course it’s in your head, Harry. But why should that mean that it isn’t real?”

Too many folks with persisting symptoms after a concussion (and a lot of vestibular & dizziness-related diagnoses too!) get the response “it’s all in your head!” from their medical provider - as if to say their symptoms and experience aren’t real. To which I say….Really?! What. The. F%^#.

Let’s reframe this - with the help of our favorite professor and perennial shoe-in for Best All-Time Beard, Professor Dumbledore - into something positive that allows us to see and hear your experience and turn it into a growth mindset.

❤️ Yes, it’s in your head. And therefore, yes, it’s real! Your brain creates your reality. ❤️

On behalf of the medical community, I deeply apologize for folks who have heard “It’s all in your head” and had your challenges overlooked and ignored. Your experience is real. You are not alone.

The best advice I’d give someone who went through this is: Find your people. That provider is not your person. There’s a growing list of people who are absolute LEGENDS in treating concussion and vestibular diagnoses who will meet you where you’re at and give you the guidance, push, and love that you and your brain need.