Depression and Traumatic Brain Injury

Depression and Traumatic Brain Injury

By:
Stephen M. Smith
|
Last Updated:
December 2, 2019
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Man with a depression after traumatic brain injury.

At the Smith Law Center, we have helped people who suffer from traumatic brain injuries for more than four decades. We are familiar with many of the symptoms of TBI which include depression and anxiety. Knowing what to look for is vital in building a case against the party that caused your brain injury.

Brain injuries are complicated. As well as depression, sufferers can suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and a range of other issues. Many of these are interrelated. If, for instance, you suffer memory loss or difficulties concentrating after sustaining a brain injury, you may also feel down.

Our attorneys believe, an at-fault driver, a company, or another culpable individual should be held accountable for a brain injury that affects your quality of life. Attorney Stephen Smith was one of the first lawyers in Virginia to recognize and litigate traumatic brain injury cases. We believe in fighting these cases all the way to trial if necessary.

Listen to David Holt Discuss Depression and TBI

Cases 4 Causes Podcast | S2: Episode 4

How Common is Depression after Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury increases your likelihood of developing depression, even if you never suffered the symptoms before.

The Mayo Clinic states people with no previous mental health history are more likely to feel down or suffer depression after sustaining a TBI, even a mild brain injury. Some studies suggest that the risk of developing depression after a TBI may be two to five times higher than in people who have not suffered a head injury. According to Brainline, depression is common in brain injury sufferers whether they have a mild, a moderate, or a severe injury.

Depression can mean different things to different people. It is defined as a feeling of loss, despair, sadness, or hopelessness. The mood of the sufferer does not improve over time. Depression can be so overwhelming it takes over the TBI sufferer’s life.  If you lose interest in things that excited you in the past for weeks at a time, you may be suffering from depression. Common symptoms include:

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
  • Feeling down or blue
  • Feeling worthless, a lack of self-esteem or feeling like a failure
  • Changes in eating
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Difficulty concentrating on everyday tasks
  • A lack of energy or motivation
  • Withdrawing from the company of others
  • Moving or speaking slowly
  • Feeling fidgety
  • Thinking of death or suicide

Sadness is common in more than half of people who suffer a TBI. If you feel down over a prolonged period of time or suffer some of the symptoms listed above, you may have depression.  About half of all people with TBI suffer depression within the first year after injury. As many as two-thirds will suffer it within seven years of an injury. Over half of the people who suffer from TBI who experience depression also deal with anxiety. Typically, two-thirds of people who suffer from depression after a brain injury also experience anxiety.

Treatment for Depression After a Traumatic Brain Injury

If you suffer depression after a brain injury, it’s important to seek help. If depression goes untreated, sufferers often become suicidal. People diagnosed with depression after a TBI should seek personal counseling with a psychotherapist.

Medications are also prescribed for depression and anxiety. Patients may require a long course of anti-depressants.

You cannot overcome depression by wishing it away or exerting more willpower. However, there is evidence living a healthy lifestyle can help. Take part in aerobic exercise and avoid drugs and alcohol.

Anxiety is a feeling of fear or nervousness out of proportion to a given situation. People with TBIs are often acutely conscious of their condition and feel awkward in crowds and other social situations. It’s important to limit stimulation and take things slowly. Most TBI sufferers make a gradual recovery.

Contact a Virginia Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

At the Smith Law Center, we have helped people with brain injuries across the nation and internationally. Our TBI team will fight for your rights. Please call us for a free consultation today at (757) 244-7000.

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About Smith Law Center

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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Tony Laizure, Principal Laizure Law
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I have had the immense pleasure to work with Stephen M. Smith many times over the years, and every case ends in success for the client. He is so passionate about his clients and cares deeply about them.

Anonymous (Former Client)
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They treat you with respect & compassion every step of the way…

Jonathan Wren
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Great firm. Stephen, David, and their team did a wonderful job representing a brain-injured client I referred to them for hard-fought case against a trucking company in federal court.

Shannon Laymon-Pecoraro
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I have the pleasure of working with the team at the Smith Law Center regularly. They are well rounded, and their commitment to their clients is top notch.

Donna
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… your firm is personally responsible for taking what was a horrible tragedy and transforming it into a legacy…

Joe
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… [Mr. Smith's] style of representation was impeccable, classy, and he cleverly executed every facet of the case …

Nancy
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… I really can’t thank you enough for securing the damages to which I was entitled …

Marybeth
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… I am beyond grateful for their caring manner, their legal prowess, and their attention to detail …

Tom
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Although this card is rather small, the “Thank You” isn’t small at all … You will never know what this money has meant to us. It does not remove the affects of the stroke, but makes things somewhat better …

Tammy & John
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… For such a large firm, we received very personal care. We will always recommend you highly! …

Angelicia S
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I had the pleasure of working with Attorney Gill. He was very professional and made the process worth the while. This law firm cares about their clients and it shows. Thank you all for going over and beyond.

Erin L
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I was very happy with the Smith Law Center. They are professional, attentive and will truly fight for you. The entire office is very nice and communicates throughout the whole process. Mr. Gill is fantastic as well as the paralegals and the other administration team.

Mike S
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David Holt did an excellent job dealing with a largely uncooperative insurance adjuster. He explored all avenues of recovery, their fees were fair and, once settled, payment was prompt. Five stars all the way.

Christin S
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Working with David and Lisa was a wonderful experience. I was overwhelmed by their kindness and efficiency.

Kevin Mottley
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I have had the pleasure of working alongside Stephen Smith, David Holt, and Stewart Gill for several years now, representing traumatic brain injury survivors in fights against insurance companies. These guys are a pleasure to work with and are true trial lawyers who fight for their clients day in and day out in court.

Andy H
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The attorneys and staff at Smith Law Center are great to work with. They care not only about a successful recovery, but ensuring their clients know what options are available for protecting the recovery long-term.

Shaminece H.
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The team and my attorney were so friendly. They were always available to help me or answer my questions, and the process wasn’t long at all. I’m so grateful for the services they gave me and for treating me like family.

Shannon L
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... I have the pleasure of working with the team at the Smith Law Center regularly ... They are well rounded, and their commitment to their clients is top notch.

Andy H
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... The attorneys and staff are great to work with ... They care not only about a successful recovery, but ensuring their clients know what options are available for protecting the recovery long-term.

Jonathan B
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... Mr. Smith helped us get a settlement fast, and things are much better now ...Without Stephen’s help I’d probably be dead and penniless. I am a brain injury survivor. On the 4th of July weekend (in 2004), my life was turned inside out when I was hit on my motorcycle. My brother-in-law was searching for brain injury specialists and happened to find Mr. Smith. And he was a lawyer too! Mr. Smith helped us get a settlement fast, and things are much better now.