Bulldogs premiership player Liam Picken opens up about ‘lonely and dark’ recovery from concussion

WESTERN Bulldogs premiership player Liam Picken has addressed speculation regarding his playing future and opened up about the struggles he’s faced he recovers from serious concussion issues.

WESTERN Bulldogs premiership player Liam Picken has opened up about his ‘lonely and dark’ recovery from serious concussion issues.

In a revealing social media post, Picken addressed speculation regarding his playing future, why his recovery has taken so long and how painful the process has been. “Concussion is an extremely complex injury with so many unknowns,” he said. “It’s also an injury that not many people really understand. “And because it’s an injury with symptoms less visible to others unlike breaking a leg etc, it’s hard for others to understand what you’re going through. In fact, it can be a lonely and dark road to travel.” Picken hasn’t played since the final round of last season. The issues stem from a head knock Picken, 31, suffered in the match against Hawthorn in the JLT Series when he clashed with teammate Josh Dunkley. It was his second heavy head knock in 12 months following a similarly heavy blow against Fremantle in Round 3 last year. “I’ve had a number of hits and concussions but I knew from the outset that this time was different,” he said. “Some of the symptoms that have impacted me have been light and noise sensitivity, noise ringing in my ears, vision, headaches, migraines, mental wellness, memory function and impaired balance. “Some of these I still have and others I’ve fully recovered from. “…although it’s been made clear to me that I’m on the road to full health, the timeline is unclear. I’m hoping it‘s any day now. “I just want to encourage anyone that may have been hit, suffered concussion and doesn’t feel 100% to speak up and seek help. And hopefully my transparency has helped other’s that may be feeling alone in their journey.” LIVE stream every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week trial & start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW >

Originally published as Bulldogs premiership player Liam Picken opens up about ‘lonely and dark’ recovery from concussion

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