What is the link between a brain injury and depression?

Brain injuries can lead to depression in both immediate and long-term cases. In immediate cases, people may experience physical and psychological losses that can lead to feeling sad, helpless, and overwhelmed. These feelings can be especially difficult if they are unable to return to a pre-injury lifestyle. Long-term cases of depression may also appear in people with brain injuries. Studies have shown that people with a traumatic brain injury are twice as likely to have depression than people without a brain injury. Commonly, depression can be triggered by feelings of isolation, physical impairments, difficulty concentrating, and being bombarded with memories of the event that caused the injury. In addition, brain injuries can damage parts of the brain linked to mood regulation. This can lead to changes in neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, that affect how we feel. Studies have also found that people with brain injuries have higher levels of stress hormones, which can further change brain chemistry and contribute to depression. Lastly, a sense of loss can also be a major trigger of depression for those who experienced a brain injury. This could be in terms of the loss of abilities, independence, relationships, or an old, familiar lifestyle. Overall, brain injuries can lead to depression in both immediate and long-term cases. The exact causes and effects of depression are still being researched, but it is important to be aware of the potential mental health impacts of a brain injury.

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What is the link between a brain injury and depression?

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