“It feels like a loss of one’s own identity” - Work identity in persons suffering persisting post-concussion symptoms: A qualitative study

To examine the impact of persisting post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) on work identity, and to explore how work identity relates to the acceptance and coping mechanisms in individuals experiencing PPCS. Twenty-three in-depth semi-structured interviews with persons suffering from PPCS for > 6 months, who attempted to return to work within the last 6 months. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis combined with hermeneutical phenomenological approach. We identified one global theme “Me and my work identity”. Participants expressed a profound connection between work and self-understanding, leading to impact on personal identity when unable to perform at work. The global theme was unfolded in four themes: 1. Confronting a changed self: Participants described a discrepancy between their pre- and post-injury self-perception, leading to a sense of loss and lower self-worth. 2. Negotiating new realities: Some struggled to accept changes in capabilities and feared being perceived as inadequate. 3. Living with emotional turbulence: Coping with PPCS was characterized by emotional fluctuations, including frustration, sadness, guilt, and anxiety. 4. Navigating between worlds: Participants employed various coping strategies to manage symptoms and navigate challenges. The results highlight the profound impact of PPCS on individuals’ work identity and emotional well-being during work resumption. Mild traumatic brain injury is common and may be associated with persisting post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) that prevent the affected individuals from resuming everyday life roles, such as workPPCS had a great impact on work identity and emotional well-being of the affected individuals, who were unable to perform at work as before and expressed a profound connection between work and self-understanding.The findings underscore the complexity of returning to work in persons with PPCS and highlight that understanding their challenges can inform strategies to better support the work resumption journey. Mild traumatic brain injury is common and may be associated with persisting post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) that prevent the affected individuals from resuming everyday life roles, such as work PPCS had a great impact on work identity and emotional well-being of the affected individuals, who were unable to perform at work as before and expressed a profound connection between work and self-understanding. The findings underscore the complexity of returning to work in persons with PPCS and highlight that understanding their challenges can inform strategies to better support the work resumption journey.