Statistics vary, but most studies agree that up to half of all individuals with traumatic brain injury, or TBI experience some degree of depression in the first year after an injury. These may be individuals who have never experienced depression before. Brainline.com researchers put it this way: For every 10 people who don’t have a brain injury, one person will experience depression, while for every 10 people who do have a brain injury, approximately one out of three will experience depression.
How do you know you’re depressed?
Most of us understand that depression can mean feelings of sadness, despair, hopelessness, or worse. But sometimes it is more subtle than you think. Losing interest in usual activities, increasing usage of alcohol or tobacco, overeating, and sleeping poorly are symptoms you might not immediately relate to depression.
What causes depression?
Again, we’re not really sure. This differs per individual, but temporary physical changes in the brain’s neurotransmitter after the injury, struggles to adjust to being ‘out of the loop’ and inherited genes and family history may be factors. Coping tips include:
- Communicating your feelings to family and friends
- Socializing in person (not just online)
- Staying mentally active—learning a new activity, reading, enjoying music
- Exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Seek Help
MAC Alliance agrees with Mayo Clinic’s findings which conclude that if you’ve had a traumatic brain injury and have been diagnosed with depression, your treatment should be integrated into your overall rehabilitation plan. If not, says the Mayo Clinic, “successful long-term recovery from a traumatic brain injury may be difficult.”
Tell your general practitioner and/or concussion specialist about symptoms of depression since your injury. If you have dark thoughts, please tell someone immediately. The National Suicide Hotline Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, free, and confidential support network committed to helping. Call them: 1-800-273-8255 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
*Concussion is normally considered a mild TBI
