Depression is one of the most common emotional reactions to brain injury. For some depression may be an early reaction to the trauma of the brain injury and disability. For others, it may develop as they struggle to cope with everyday tasks. In either case it is an understandable reaction to what you are going through.

Depression after brain injury

We all feel down at times but symptoms of depression are persistent and can last for weeks or longer. Many symptoms associated with depression are common after a brain injury so it can be very difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms of depression include:

  •  Persistently feeling hopeless or worthless
  •  Loss of interest and motivation
  • Changes in appetite
  •  Problems sleeping
  • Suicidal thoughts and feelings

What can I do to help?

If you are experiencing any of this, you may feel that nothing can help, but deciding to do something is the most important step you can take.

Seek professional advice

Speak to your GP about how you are feeling. Your GP may talk to you about prescribing antidepressant medication.

Also, speak to someone at the ABI service who can provide you with strategies for managing your depression. If things get more serious and there is a risk you might hurt yourself call your GP, the Samaritans (0345 909090), 999, or go to A&E.

Talk to others

Tell those close to you how you feel. It can be a great relief to share experiences and they may be able to help you to think things through.

Managing your depression and looking after your body

  • Eat well: The way your body feels has an impact on your emotions. Choose a healthy balanced diet and try not to skip meals.
  • Avoid alcohol: Alcohol is part of a group of drugs called ‘depressants’, which means it can make you feel worse. Alcohol affects your ability to achieve deep sleep and drinking too much can also lead to further health problems. Plus, alcohol and brain injury tend to be a bad mix as your brain is more sensitive to the effects.
  • Exercise: Try to take part in some gentle physical activity for 20 minutes a day. The endorphins released during exercise can improve mood.

Challenge negative thoughts

When someone is depressed they often tend to think and expect the worst of themselves, their life and the future.

 Try to explore and change negative thinking patterns:

  • Note when your mood is very low
  • Write down unpleasant thoughts you are having at the time
  • Remember thoughts are just thoughts, they are aren’t always true
  • Try to write down arguments against these thoughts or alternative ways of thinking about things
  • Imagine what you would say to a friend if they were thinking the same way
  • Remind yourself it is understandable to feel this way

‘Living Life to the Full’ is a free online resource that can help you learn how to challenge negative thoughts and teach you about other cognitive behavioural techniques for depression – visit www.llttf.com  to find out more.

Get Involved

Try something new. Learning new things can be fun, help build your confidence, and life your mood. Creative activities such as drawing and writing are also a good way to express feelings. People who access our services are welcome to talk to the Team Manager if they are experiencing any problems with their care.

How to find us

Acquired Brain Injury Service
Acorn Suite Countess of Chester Health Park Liverpool Road Chester CH2 1HJ
Tel: 01244 389252
Fax: 01244 389255

Useful Contacts

The following organisations are independent of CWP, contact details are provided for information purposes only. CWP will not be responsible for any advice or treatment provided by these organisations.

  • Depression Alliance: information, support and understanding to those who are affected by depression Website: www.depressionalliance.org Tel: 0845 123 23 20
  • MIND: A Leading mental health organisation Website: www.mind.org.uk Info line: 0845 766 0163
  • Samaritans: Confidential support for anyone in a crisis Tel: 0345 909090 (Local Call Rate)
  • Headway: The Brain Injury Association Website: www.headway.org.uk E-mail: enquiries@headway.org.uk Tel: 0115 924 0800
  • Saneline: information and support for anyone affected by mental health problems including families and carers. Website: www.sane.org.uk Tel: 0845 767 8000
  • Stroke Association Website: www.stroke.org.uk Tel: 0303 3033 100

If you would like this information in another format, please speak to a member of CWP staff or e-mail cwp.info@nhs.net.
June 2020 Version 1.
www.cwp.nhs.uk.