I never felt so alone, and people just do not get it unless they’ve been through it.

My advice is never to stop looking for solutions, even when you want to give up

Being told to 'man up' and 'get on with it' is never the option.

People think I’m making it up so I don’t have to work or so I can be lazy, but what they don’t know is having chronic pain and a chronic illness is more work than having a full-time job.

Sofia’s story has been submitted by her mother.

The multiple weekly appointments are exhausting. It’s even harder getting yourself to appointments that you know are only going to make you feel worse right after.

I want my head to feel normal again. But I don’t know if it’s possible. My head has felt strange for a year now. I’m more tired than I’ve ever been. I have to limit my activity and take breaks so often. I just want my life back. But I am doing my best to work with what I have. That’s all I can really do.

Concussions and head injuries are one thing but I never expected to be treated like some kind of criminal for having one and trying to access help. I have never felt so disenfranchised.

A blur of debilitating physical pain, doctors appointments, my dark room and no answers. Not what was happening to me, not why, and especially not for how long.

My advice is to look out for what you think will work for you and stick with it for awhile, even if you’re not feeling much different. I took a break from everything, and I felt my dizziness reoccurring more often than before. Stay positive that things will heal!

My symptoms have flared up again in the last 6 months or so. And I am simply exhausted from them and tired of having to modify my life because of concussions sustained years ago.