Resources for Depression After Brain Injury
Categories: Being a Caregiver, Living with Brain Injury
Unfortunately, suicide attempts are more common in individuals who have sustained a brain injury, and nearly half of all brain injury survivors report symptoms of depression. The risk of depression after brain injury increases whether the injury is mild, moderate, or severe. Symptoms include:
- Feeling down or depressed
- Changes in sleeping habits, such as sleeping poorly or sleeping more than usual
- Loss of interest in activities or relationships
- Change in appetite
- Increased use or misuse of substances like alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
- Feelings of despair or hopelessness
- Attempts at or thoughts of suicide
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression or thoughts of suicide, it is important to get help. Contact the National Brain Injury Information Center (NBIIC) at 1-800-444-6443 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
What Causes Depression After Brain Injury?
There are many factors that contribute to depression after brain injury, including:
- Physical changes to the brain: Depression after brain injury can be a result of injury to the specific areas of the brain that control emotions.
- An emotional response to the injury: When a person deals with struggles after their brain injury, such as difficulty with communicating, cognitive problems, physical disabilities, a loss of independence, or a change in family or relationship dynamics, they may experience depression.
- Personal modifiers: Certain populations may be at higher risk of major depression after brain injury, such as women and individuals who had depression prior to their brain injury.