Resources for Depression After Brain Injury

Unfortunately, suicide attempts are more common in individuals who have sustained a brain injury, and nearly half of all brain injury survivors report symptoms of depression. The risk of depression after a brain injury increases whether the injury is mild, moderate, or severe. Symptoms include:

• Feeling down or depressed
• Changes in sleeping habits, such as sleeping poorly or sleeping more than usual
• Loss of interest in activities or relationships
• Change in appetite
• Increased use or misuse of substances like alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
• Feelings of despair or hopelessness
• Attempts at or thoughts of suicide

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression or thoughts of suicide, it is important to get help. Contact BIAA’s National Brain Injury Information Center (NBIIC) at 1-800-444-6443 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Here are some resources for coping with depression after brain injury:

• TBI Factsheet: Depression After Traumatic Brain Injury
• Free Survivor Webinar on Mindfulness