You Can’t Stop the First Thought — But You Can Stop What Comes Next #pcsrecovery
18 Jul 2026 · 0 min
0:23
In this brief monologue, David Brimacombe explains a self‑help technique for managing intrusive thoughts that often accompany post‑concussion syndrome (PCS) recovery. He distinguishes the initial, unavoidable thought from the subsequent “second thought” that can spiral into a mental loop. By consciously stopping or “derailing” that second thought—visualizing the train of thoughts being halted—one can prevent the brain’s reticular activating system (RAS) from fixating on symptoms and thereby reduce symptom sensitivity. The approach is presented as a practical, on‑the‑spot cognitive strategy for individuals dealing with PCS.
