Portrait: Adam
I was 15 when my injury happened on December 2, 2005. I collapsed and fractured my skull while out with my family, which was caused by multiple blood clots and bleeds on my brain and skull.
Where Adam’s story begins
Before my brain injury I was fit, healthy, happy and playing football for Stevenage FC youth, having previously played for Northampton Town and Coventry City. I was playing weekly and having fun. I was very active outside of football, playing other sports such as rugby and basketball. I would often meet with friends after school, listen to music, watch TV or just walk around having a laugh.
Life was good with no signs of any injuries to come.
The day everything changed
I was 15 when my injury happened on December 2, 2005. I collapsed and fractured my skull while out with my family, which was caused by multiple blood clots and bleeds on my brain and skull. The specialists weren't able to pinpoint what actually happened or caused this; I could have been born with the clots, or they could have been caused by a hit to the head, and it was only a matter of time before it turned into a life-threatening emergency.
Rebuilding life from scratch
I had an eight hour operation and was put into a drug-induced coma to recover. When I woke up, I had to undergo tests to relearn to walk, talk and test my memory. My stay in the hospital was short for what I’d been through; I was home after about a month, but my recovery continued at home for around another six months.
Some things continue to this day and will be with me for life.
Fighting an invisible battle
The side effects I live with include a loss of smell due to brain damage, and daily head pains that vary in intensity. I also have anxiety, depression, PTSD, agoraphobia (fear of leaving the house), tinnitus and a nice big scar. My recovery journey started with me having to quit playing football and almost start my life over.
Finding light in the darkness
I had help from friends and family who made sure I was ok and happy.
Regular check-ups, days out to watch football or go shopping — just doing things they knew I enjoyed and made me happy. A lot of my recovery journey has been just me and my own coping mechanisms; I enjoy playing video games as this helps clear my mind and distract me from my mind going into dark places. I also use sports as therapy as it helps release stress and anger.
‘You are not alone’
I want people to know that there is a life after, and living with, a head or brain injury and mental health. It’s ok to be scared and in pain. You should never feel scared to ask for help, there are a lot of different ways to get help and support. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Living with an injury just shows how strong you all are. If I can do it, so can you.