Caring for your brain health doesn’t end when the game does.
If you’re a former athlete—or someone who loves one—and you’ve noticed mood swings, memory loss, or emotional instability that just doesn’t feel like “you,” it might be time to talk about something real: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This isn’t just about hard hits or concussions. CTE is a serious condition that can unfold quietly over time, and it’s often missed until relationships, careers, and emotional wellness are already unraveling. In this post, we’re breaking down what you need to know about CTE, how it shows up, and most importantly—what you can do next.
What is CTE?
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive brain condition linked to repeated head trauma. It’s been found in athletes, especially those who’ve played contact sports like football, boxing, and hockey. But here’s the catch—it doesn’t show up right away. Symptoms might not surface for years or even decades after the hits stop.
CTE affects how the brain functions over time, causing changes in mood, memory, and behavior. While we used to think this was just part of aging or burnout, we now understand it’s something deeper—and very real.
It’s important to know: CTE is not caused by a single concussion. Instead, it’s the result of ongoing, repetitive brain injuries—sometimes even ones that seemed “minor” at the time. That’s why people can feel “off” long before they get a diagnosis, or even know there’s something to diagnose.
Early Warning Signs of CTE: When to Pay Attention
CTE doesn’t shout—it whispers. That’s what makes it so tricky. Many athletes (and their loved ones) brush off early signs, chalking them up to stress, personality changes, or just getting older.
But here’s some early signs to watch for:
Mood swings that feel out of proportion or come out of nowhere
Depression, anxiety, or irritability—especially in someone who wasn’t like this before
Memory issues like forgetting names, appointments, or important conversations
Struggles with decision-making or focus
Aggression or impulsivity that wasn’t typical in the past
If this feels familiar—for you or someone close to you—it’s worth taking seriously. These early symptoms are often the first hints of deeper neurological changes and can show up years before a diagnosis is made.
How CTE Impacts Daily Life
CTE doesn’t just live in the brain—it lives in your relationships, routines, and reactions. You might snap at your kids, forget what someone just told you, or feel like your fuse is shorter than it used to be. These aren’t just bad days. They’re signs something deeper may be going on.
Many people with CTE find themselves losing interest in things they once loved, struggling to keep jobs or maintain relationships, or feeling disconnected from who they used to be. These changes can be confusing and frustrating, both for the person experiencing them and for their family and friends.
If this feels familiar, you’re not alone—and it’s not all in your head. The earlier you recognize it, the sooner you can take steps toward support and stability.
Diagnosis and Misconceptions
Getting a diagnosis of CTE isn’t as straightforward as running a blood test or getting an MRI. That’s one of the biggest challenges. Right now, CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death through a specialized brain autopsy. But that doesn’t mean people are powerless while they’re alive.
Many doctors rely on a clinical picture based on history, symptoms, and neuropsychological testing. If someone has a history of repeated head trauma and is showing symptoms like impulsivity, memory loss, or severe mood changes, CTE may be suspected—especially when other causes are ruled out.
Common Misconceptions:
“It’s just depression.” Many athletes are misdiagnosed with standard mood disorders, which delays targeted care.
“You only get CTE if you had a concussion.” False. Repeated subconcussive hits—the kind you don’t even notice—can still add up.
“If I’m still functioning, it can’t be that serious.” Symptoms often develop slowly, and masking them can worsen the long-term damage.
Being aware of these myths helps patients and families push for proper evaluation and compassionate care—even when answers aren’t clear-cut.
What Can You Do About It?
If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds familiar,” you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. While there’s no cure for CTE, early recognition and supportive interventions can make a real difference.
Here’s what you can do:
Talk to someone you trust. Whether it’s a loved one, a primary care doctor, or a mental health professional, sharing your concerns is the first step.
Get evaluated. Neurological and psychiatric assessments can help identify early signs—even when imaging doesn’t provide clear answers.
Prioritize brain health. Nutrition, sleep, exercise, and mental stimulation matter. So does reducing alcohol and avoiding further head trauma. For insights on how nutrition impacts mood, check out our blog on the nutrition-mood connection.
Stay connected. Isolation exacerbates symptoms. Community and purpose help people manage and thrive, even with a complex diagnosis.
Know it’s not your fault. You didn’t choose this. Seeking help isn’t weakness—it’s the smartest, strongest thing you can do.
Additional Resources:
Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF): Offers a comprehensive CTE Guidebook for Patients & Caregivers and a HelpLine for personalized support.
CTE Hope: Provides education, awareness, and support groups for individuals and families affected by CTE. Learn more at CTE Hope
CTE Support Forums: Connect with others through online communities like the CTE & TBI Warrior Circle and CTE Awareness.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and numerous resources are available to support you and your loved ones.
Take the First Step Toward Clarity
If any of this feels familiar—mood swings, memory slips, or that nagging sense that something just isn’t right—it’s not just in your head. CTE is real, and while a formal diagnosis may not come easy, that doesn’t mean you should wait to act.
You don’t have to have all the answers today. What matters is taking the first step.
At Lifetime Insight, we understand the unique challenges athletes face—on and off the field. We offer care that connects the dots between mood, memory, and brain health. Whether you’re just starting to ask questions or you’re ready to get help, you don’t have to do it alone.
About the Author
Sarit Hovav, M.D., FAPA is a board-certified psychiatrist and the founder of Lifetime Insight. With a deep commitment to integrative mental health, she brings a unique blend of medical expertise and holistic care to individuals navigating complex mood and cognitive challenges—including those with a history of trauma or high-performance athletics. A former researcher at UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Dr. Hovav now helps patients reconnect with themselves through compassionate, brain-based care that’s grounded in science—and humanity.
She is joined at Lifetime Insight by Heather Hauck, M.D., FAPA, a board-certified psychiatrist with additional specialized fellowship training in addiction psychiatry. Together, they offer collaborative and personalized care for patients experiencing the emotional and neurological effects of chronic conditions like CTE.