Brain Trauma: Commonly Linked to Depression

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be life changing. A TBI is the medical term for when the brain is injured by force trauma. They can result from the impact of car accidents, bicycle crashes, or any kind of blow to the head. 1.5 million people, not including those in military service, suffer a TBI every year. However, experts believe the number is actually much higher because mild TBI’s are not commonly reported to medical professionals. Brain trauma can affect your life in many ways. It can cause headaches, a ringing in your ears, memory loss, sleep loss, and it can make concentrating much more difficult. However, the physical symptoms of a TBI are commonly combined with depression. Depression is a very serious matter. Depression is more than simply feeling sad sometimes. Depression is long lasting sadness that is accompanied by a serious lack of energy and an inability to enjoy things in your daily life. Depression is a treatable disorder. If you feel like you are depressed, or suffer from a TBI, you should see a doctor immediately. Fifteen percent (15%) of people that are diagnosed with depression die of suicide. For more information on suicide prevention, click here. Depression is much more common in people who have suffered a brain injury. Ten percent (10%) of Americans suffer from depression. However, thirty percent (30%) of people who have had a TBI suffer from depression. This is a stark and alarming difference. And this difference is true regardless of the severity of the TBI. Depression is treated in two primary ways: counseling and medication. The counseling used to treat depression is called psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is where the person suffering from depression routinely talks with a licensed medical professional about their symptoms and how to deal with them. The medications used to treat depression are antidepressants. Often, people suffering from depression need to be treated both with psychotherapy and antidepressants. It is important to note that experts and researchers do not yet know of the side effects of antidepressants on people who also suffered a TBI. Common side effects of antidepressants include: stomach problems, weight fluxuation, sexual problems, and trouble sleeping. Antidepressants can have different effects when they react with other medications one may be taking. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor about you medical and prescription history. The physical symptoms that one has when they suffer from a TBI can be life changing. They can affect your mood, your job, your love life, and even your familial relationships. This only causes added stress that further inflame one’s anxiety and depression. The anxiety can make the headaches worse also. Unfortunately, TBI and depression commonly go together and they only make each other worse. For more information, go here. It is wise to contact an experienced personal injury attorney if you suffer from a TBI or depression. Call one of the experienced attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA if you or someone close to you needs help in recovering from a TBI or depression. One of our experienced attorneys is waiting and willing to assist you, please call (727) 451-6900 for more information on how we can help your family with this important issue. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA 800 North Belcher Road Clearwater, FL 33756 727-451-6900