Depression After a Traumatic Brain Injury
Among the various injuries that somebody might suffer in a traumatic accident, brain injuries are some of the most severe. The brain is responsible for nearly all of the body’s essential functions. Because of this, it is important for everyone to stay safe when operating a motor vehicle, playing sports, or even walking down the street. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are actually far more common than many people realize. According to some of the statistics that have been published by Brainline:
- The rates of traumatic brain injuries are highest among people aged 75 or older and among toddlers
- In individuals over the age of 65, the most common cause of a TBI was a slip and fall injury
- The most common cause of a TBI in children and young adults is auto accidents
- Physical abuse and assault are the most common causes of TBIs in babies and toddlers
These statistics demonstrate that there are multiple causes of traumatic brain injuries. TBIs lead to a host of complications that everyone should note. One of the biggest issues facing families is depression after a traumatic brain injury.
Why Does Depression Happen After a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries can have impacts on a wide variety of bodily functions. Because the brain is responsible for so much of the human body, neurological damage is wide-ranging and far-reaching. One of the overlooked complications is mental health disorders. Mental health disorders can include a variety of issues, including bipolar disorder, depression, and psychosis. Perhaps the most common mental health issue that someone could develop after a head injury is depression. There are lots reasons why someone who has suffered a TBI might develop depression. These include:
- The inability to engage in activities that used to bring enjoyment.
- Problems returning to school or work.
- Damage to the personality section of the brain.
- Issues relating to neurotransmitters in the brain after a TBI such as Dopamine and Serotonin.
It is important for everyone to seek help from a trained medical professional after an injury to the head. After this, it is important to watch for symptoms of depression, which can include difficulty sleeping, irritability, appetite changes, concentration difficulties, and a loss of energy. Fortunately, there are treatment options available.
Treatment Options for Individuals Suffering from Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders and there are numerous treatments that are available. In order for someone to be successful in treating depression, it is important to take a well-rounded approach. What works for one person might not work for somebody else, so it is vital to be persistent and try multiple treatment choices. Some of the available options for individuals with depression include:
- Medications including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac.
- Meeting with a behavioral health counselor or a psychiatrist.
- Electrical stimulation of the brain itself.
- Attending rehabilitation for motor and sensory issues related to the TBI.
Ultimately, people who have developed depression secondary to a TBI have a better chance at recovering if they seek out all of the treatment options above. Depression can be challenging to treat and it is important for family members and friends to remain supportive. Where else can families look for help after a serious injury?
Help from an Injury Attorney
When a family member suffers a traumatic brain injury, this can create a lot of uncertainty about the future. If a loved one develops mental health complications (such as depression), this can leave families stressed and looking for help. In these situations, meeting with a traumatic brain injury attorney in Woodland can be helpful. A trained and experienced legal professional can provide assistance by:
- Taking a look at the accident records and making sure that the liability has been assigned appropriately.
- Recreating the mechanism of the accident with the help of engineering professionals.
- Helping families seek damages that are related to their emotional pain, suffering, and injuries (past and future).
- Taking the case to trial if needed.
Families should never feel like they have to deal with a stressful situation alone. Following a traumatic accident, meeting with a Woodland brain injury attorney can help families find answers. Do not hesitate to reach out and ask for help. You and your family could be able to obtain financial compensation for injuries sustained due to a negligent party.
Contact a Woodland Brain Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Woodland Brain Injury Lawyer. Depression is one of the most common complications in individuals who have suffered serious neurological damage. Anyone suffering a traumatic brain injury should contact me at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for friendly, free advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum in California. We are made up of some of the top-rated trial lawyers in the United States. All of the members have received million-dollar case verdicts for prior clients.
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