What is Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), traumatic injuries to the brain, also called intracranial injury, or simply head injury, occurs when a sudden trauma causes brain damage. TBI can resu...
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Head injuries- depression & anxiety
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Does anyone else who has experienced severe head injuries have problems with depression and/or anxiety? I have a 1 major head injury & at least 4 mildly severe ones, all going back a number of yrs. Major one was about 25 yrs ago. Have never had any brain scans or tests done, can't afford them & insurance only covers after I'd pay my $2500 deductible, which I can't afford.
I suffer from both depression & anxiety & trying to figure out if there may be any relation to these old injuries. Not that I'm sure there is anything I could do about it even if they are the cause! What scares me is Andre Waters the former Phiadelphia Eagles player committed suicide last yr. It was said he suffered from severe depression. When they did a post-mortum brain scan they said he had the brain of something like an 80-yr-old ( he was only around 44!) from all the concussions he suffered while playing football. I'm not suicidal (though some days I don't feel like living, but I'd never kill myself!), but it stills scares me somewhat. Appreciate any help or thoughts. Hisstrength Posted on 04/02/07, 12:04 pm |
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My brain injury was 8 months ago and I clearly suffer from depression and anxiety very much so. This was never a problem for me before. The depression, I feel,is adjusting to all the changes that have taken place, the slow recovery, inability to do, etc., etc., etc. The anxiety is almost unbearable at times. To me, I feel extremely vulnerable since my injury - like my head is exposed and not protected anymore. May sounds weird, but it clearly does not feel the same. I'm extremely anxious about simple little things that never, ever bothered me before. So, yes - I would agree it could be the result of your past injuries. I'm in the process of ordering a tape specifically for anxiety to see if it can help. You can find it through www.healthjourneys.com. I like to try holistic approaches for some things first to see if they help.
Best of luck, 
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Depression is a very common side effect of brain injury. I've lived with it almost every day of the 23 years since my accident.
At one time I wrote an article on "ten surefire ways to beat depression and get happy." You might want to read it here: http://anamacha.livejournal.com/25... Also, I have had fairly good luck with natural remedies: St John;'s Wort, SAM-e, massive doses of B complex vitamins. I also have a "happy drink" that I have when things are particularly bad. It's called Resurrect (the daily detox cleanser and hangover cure), and is available at finer convenience stores everywhere. they have a website, too: http://www.resurrectme.com Good luck!
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Depression is very much a part of it. It took many years before I was diagnosed with a Frontal Lobe Disorder probably going back to a head on collision in 1972 and subsequent shake ups since. I knew something was wrong but did not know what. I've had many scans, tests, etc. What I have does not show up on the scans but does on some tests. Sequencing (order of things), concentration, balance, brain pain (this is a wierd one as the brain does not feel the same sort of pain as rest of body - be on the look out for zit zit zit electrical impulse feelings in your head). I went so long before diagnosis I thought I was crazy and very depressed. Adaptations have been necessary to cope but you can do it. I'm 66 and I'm still hanging in there and not letting it get the best of me. It is hard for other people to understand as I don't look like threre is anything wrong with me.
Love and blessings, Millie
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Depression is a part of brain injury. We all tend to suffer from it. There are two reasons for this. 1. The part of the brain that controls the emotions is damaged. 2. We are grieving the old us who disappeared the day we were injured.
The support group I go to has all tbi'ers and 96% of us are on depression meds. Also, remember that our life got opened up to the dreadful world of doctor waiting rooms, pt offices and financial needs that seem never ending once we have a tbi. If you ever want to chat, let me know.
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I experience the same thing. Depression and Anxiety that I've never had in my life. The anxiety has improved, but it's still a problem. The depression as well. I have a left hemisphere injury in the back of my head, and it's very common for people with left sided injuries to struggle more with depression (based off of the TBI guide).
I hope you find something to help ease these symptoms. I'm trying the natural remedies, such as meditation and energy healings. I think I"m better than what I was months ago. Hopefully, it will continue to improve. All the best, June
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Yours is the exact profile I am trying to reach with my website www.ReBuildingYou.com I had a major brain injury myself about 26 years ago and a 'mild' one a couple of years ago.
Bottom line? There is a ton of evidence out there that whilst brain injuries do age your brain it is also possible to exercise and use it in ways to keep it young and working well. The brain is very plastic and adaptable. So many of us don't have the finance to get the help we need - and that's why I am building a website that won't cost you anything at all to access. I am adding content daily and look forward to hearing your specific questions. I will add one specifically on depression and anxiety within the next week or two - I will get some feedback first from several survivors and also speak to my psychoneurologist. Hang in there! Julie www.ReBuildingYou.com
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