Depression

Depression is sadness than can last a few days or weeks, or a long time. It can also manifest as a loss of enjoyment in life, even in the activities that once gave a person great joy and sense of self. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and discouragement. It often follows a personal loss or an injury, like TBI. When someone's life has changed drastically, it's normal to feel depressed. It is not a sign of weakness, nor does it represent a moral failure. It is definitely not something to be ashamed of.

Depression can result from the chemical changes in the brain itself. It can also be a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder. If the depression becomes extreme and affects the way you live your life, it may become pathological. Seeking help early is crucial.

Research on Post-Traumatic Depression
February 7, 2013
Dr. Amy Wagner talks about current research on depression — how it can affect cognition, which in turn can affect how people recover from TBI.

Brain Injury and Depression
By: Brain Injury Research Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine | August 20, 2012
It can be incredibly painful for people with brain injury to be constantly confronted with the contrast with how life is and how life was. These disparities can often trigger depression.

Why Do Some People Develop Psychiatric Disorders After a Brain Injury?
By: BrainLine | Research Update | August 15, 2011
Psychiatric disorders are common and often debilitating after a brain injury. Learn who is more at risk.

Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress
By: Helpguide.org | June 15, 2011
Stress affects everyone, but it can be worse for people with a brain injury. Here are some indispensable, general strategies.

Depression After Brain Injury
By: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality | June 14, 2011
Depression after brain injury is a common but serious problem. But it's treatable — don't ignore it.

Why Is Depression the Number One Symptom After a Brain Injury?
By: BrainLine | June 9, 2011
Some 20-60% of people with a TBI experience depression soon after the injury or even years later. Learn why it's so prevalent.

When Depression Is Not Depression After a TBI
By: BrainLine | June 9, 2011
Fatigue, problems with sleep or concentration, and lack of energy or interest may be their own symptoms, not depression.

Learn Why Aggression, Irritability, and Depression Are Common After Brain Injury
By: BrainLine | June 9, 2011
Changes in or damage to the brain make emotional and behavioral issues common after a TBI.

Why Is Depression Common After Brain Injury?
By: BrainLine | May 27, 2011
What caregivers should know if their loved one with TBI develops depression.

Can Cognitive Therapy on the Internet Help with Depression After Brain Injury?
By: BrainLine | Research Update | July 1, 2010
A study shows internet-based cognition therapy helps, but with caveats.

Depression and Anxiety Common Even Years After TBI
By: BrainLine | Research Update | January 1, 2010
Regular psychiatric screenings can help identify and treat emotional issues post-TBI.

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Brain Injury
By: Dr. Celeste Campbell | Ask the Expert | December 1, 2009
Research is not conclusive, but we do know that the risk of mood disorders increases.

Enjoying the Holidays After Brain Injury
By: Elaine Phillips | Ask the Expert | December 1, 2009
Adjusting routines and expectations after a loved one's brain injury.

Preferred Treatments for Depression Post-TBI
By: BrainLine | Research Update | August 24, 2009
The top choices to fight depression: exercise and counseling.

Using Anti-Depressants After TBI?
By: Brian D. Greenwald, MD | Ask the Expert | July 1, 2009
Are they safe? Do they help?

Do Anti-Depressants Work for People with TBI?
By: BrainLine | Research Update | May 1, 2009
Medication may be an option.

Worsening Headaches After TBI
By: Nathan D. Zasler, MD | Ask the Expert | May 1, 2009
Sometimes a neck injury can cause persistent symptoms.

Depression with Mike Wallace
November 24, 2008
News reporter Mike Wallace talks about his experience with depression, how it almost took his life, and how he copes with depression every day.

Depression and Anxiety
By: Robert J. Hartke | January 1, 2008
Mental health problems can accompany TBI. Learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatments.

TBI Consumer Report: Coping with Post-TBI Emotional Distress
By: Mount Sinai Medical Center | January 1, 2007
Learn why depression and anxiety are common after TBI.

How to Clean Up Stinking Thinking and Cope Better
By: Lee Livingston and Jeff Kreutzer | January 1, 2005
Turn your negative thoughts into hopeful ones.

TBI Research Review: Post-TBI Depression
By: Mount Sinai Medical Center | January 1, 2004
Learn more about how depression and brain injury are connected.