Mild Brain Injury and Depression
Practice Skills to Prevent Debilitation Due to Frustration and Loss
Trauma to the brain results in many mood and behavior problems. Depression is frequently cited after a mild head injury due to frustration and loss of self esteem.
Individuals suffer a mild brain injury whenever they are hit on the head, strike their head against an immovable object, or have had their brain strike against the inside of the skull due to whiplash or shaking. Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of head injury, but brains are frequently rattled in athletic events and as a result of fights and abuse. Brain or head injury is an under-reported youth sports injury.
Head injuries cause changes in mood and behavior that are noticeable to the injured. Others may view them as irritable and aggressive. The head injured frequently endure panic attacks and depression. As the individual notices emotional and cognitive changes and struggles to control his feelings, frustration is often the result. Frustration may become so strong that the person feels like he is “losing his mind.” He becomes moody and depressed, and if left untreated his depression may spiral downward dangerously.
Doctors are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that depression lingers on after the physical cuts, bruises, and broken bones are healed. As a result, more are emphasizing the importance of including neurological rehabilitation after any bump to the head or rattle of the brain. An important aid to recovery is patient understanding and acceptance of the injury. The head injured person has to learn not to get mad at others and himself about every event that "pushes his emotional button".
Two Strategies to Prevent Depression’s Pull
Take control of emotions by taking a time-out when emotions rise to the surface. Get away from whatever is irritating by taking a walk or turning attention to something that is pleasing. It takes a lot of practice, but if the head injured person sees this practice as critical to his rehabilitation he will stick to it and train himself to “get a grip” rather than explode.
Loss of language skill is another frequent brain injury trait that sparks a loss of self esteem. This can be devastating, especially to the individual who has achieved pre-injury success in a profession or leadership position. Everyone has that moment when they can’t think of the right word, but the brain injured suffer this problem more often. The brain injured have to work hard to “keep talking” until they find the word and not give up or think they are dull minded. Talking about it can help. Visualize the first letter, the color, or some other characteristic of the word.
You Can Do It!
Brain injury shouldn’t rob a person of true emotions and self esteem. If you are brain injured or are the caregiver of a brain injured person, seek out doctors who understand brain injury and will support your needs. See a neuro-psychologist for testing. Families and close friends need to be educated in brain injury and the thinking-related deficits that result from a rap on the head. Work together to recognize and gain control in order to prevent depression, which if left untreated may spiral downward and lead to more serious issues. The brain injured may need to take antidepressants if prescribed and never overlook the healing power of a healthy diet and exercise to keep the body … and mind … in shape.
