Tragically, research indicates that brain injury survivors are at a higher risk of suicide than the general population. A brain injury can turn people’s lives upside down, with the numerous possible consequences causing many people to develop depression after brain injury.
If you are feeling depressed or suicidal after brain injury, help is available.
We’ve updated our factsheet Depression after brain injury (PDF) to give more detailed guidance on coping with this devastating emotional effect of brain injury. With expert guidance from Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr Cliodhna Carroll and Clinical Psychologist Dr Elizabeth Samuel, the factsheet now contains a list of useful apps and organisations, as well as guidance on how to cope with depression after brain injury and what to do in the event of feeling suicidal.
Having a brain injury is a sudden unexpected event in people’s lives. It is normal and natural to experience a wide range of emotions and thoughts after such an event. Coming to terms with the changes to your life after brain injury can be daunting. Some people experience feelings and symptoms of depression. These feelings can be hard to make sense of and it is often hard to know what to do about these emotions, both for you and the people around you. This leaflet aims to provide some information about depression after brain injury, some tips to help and signposting to different resources.
- Dr Cliodhna Carroll, Clinical Neuropsychologist
We hope that this factsheet helps to give some reassurance and guidance for coping with this difficult effect of brain injury. For support, information or a listening ear, contact our nurse-led helpline on 0808 800 2244 or helpline@headway.org.uk.
For further support, contact Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258. If you need immediate assistance, call 999 or visit your local A&E department.
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