Depression after brain injury

We ask our participants and their caregivers about feelings of depression after stroke or other brain injury. Many times we have to provide resources because they are demonstrating signs of depression according to our questionnaires. There is much work to be done regarding depression after brain injury.

In very severe depression, people can experience suicidal ideation. Take a look at this statistic:

If you or someone you know is experiencing this, please seek help immediately.

Here is the national hotline - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255

From BIA of Oregon, here are some tips/suggestions that may also be helpful (http://www.biaoregon.org/Vets&Suicide.htm)

Those with a history of TBI and their family members shared these suggestions for people considering suicide

 

Distract yourself by:

Reaching out (to a friend or family member)

Writing in a journal

Listening to music

Playing with a pet

Going for a walk

Working on a hobby

Playing cards

Reading

 

Get involved in activities:

Go outdoors

Exercise

Spend time helping people

Talk with others

 

Get professional help:

TBI support group

Individual psychotherapy

Medication evaluation

 

Those with a history of TBI stated that before considering suicide

They felt:

Sad

Hopeless

Lonely

Frustrated

Stressed

Angry

Useless

They thought about:

Being a burden

Having failed

Losing their sense of purpose

They had difficulty:

Thinking clearly

They were misusing:

Alcohol/drugs