If you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as a concussion in a car wreck or other accident, then you may experience changes in the way you feel or express your emotions, or you may be experiencing mood swings. You may even feel like you are on a roller coaster when it comes to your mood swings and emotions after suffering a concussion.
Causes of Mood Swings after Head Injuries
Difficulty controlling your emotions and experiencing mood swings after a concussion could mean that there is damage to the part of your brain that controls your emotions and behavior.
There may not be anything specific that triggers your sudden emotional reactions or otherwise accounts for your mood swings. Your family may be confused as to why you are having such extreme reactions and could think they did something to upset you. It is important that you and your family understand that these may be symptoms of a physical brain injury.
What Can Be Done About Mood Swings afrer Concussions
Generally, these symptoms will go away over time, but there are a couple of things you and your family can do to help:
- Talk to your doctor or a psychologist about treatment.
- Get counseling for you and your family. This can help you and your loved ones better cope with the situation.
- Take appropriate medications: There are several medications that can help you control your emotions and mood swings. Speak to a doctor that is knowledgeable about brain injuries and see if there are medications that could work for you.
Anxiety increases after Head Injuries
If you are suffering from a concussion or other TBI, you could be feeling anxiety but may not be sure exactly why you feel that way. You may also experience panic attacks.
Causes of Anxiety After A Concussion
You may be having trouble concentrating and/or reasoning after a concussion and be asked to make decisions. This may cause you to feel overwhelmed and anxious.
You may also be in situations that require your attention and the processing of information too soon after a concussion. You may find yourself in large crowds, heavy traffic, or dealing with a lot of noise. All of this could make you feel anxious.
How to Help Ease Your Anxiety
There are a few things you can do to help ease your anxiety after a concussion:
- Reduce any unnecessary stress. Try to add activities that are structured into your routine.
- Take appropriate medications. There are a wide variety of medications available to help you control your anxiety. You should talk to a physician experienced with brain injuries to help you find the right medication for your individual situation.
Depression/Feeling Sad after a Head Injury
Depression and/or sadness are also common symptoms of a concussion and normally occur towards the end of your recovery. You may be feeling sad, have thoughts of death or suicide, lose interest in life, withdraw from your friends and family, and/or experience difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or eating.
Causes of Depression/Sadness After A Concussion
You may be struggling to adjust to having a concussion and your temporary disability. In addition, some concussions can affect the area of your brain that controls these emotions.
How To Help With Your Depression
- Take appropriate medication: Talk to a doctor who is knowledgeable about the treatment of depression after a concussion.
- Add some structured activities into your day.
Irritability or Temper Issues after a Head Injury
It’s estimated that 71% of people who suffer a concussion will experience irritability or short-temperedness.
Causes of Irritability or Temper Issues
- The part of your brain that controls emotions may have been injured when you suffered a concussion.
- You may be feeling frustrated with the changes in your life since the concussion.
- You may be feeling depressed, isolated, and/or misunderstood by your friends and family members.
- You may be tired or experiencing pain.
How to Help Your Irritability or Temper Issues
- Learn some anger management techniques such as relaxation methods and/or better communication strategies.
- Talk with a psychologist who understands traumatic brain injures such as yours. A psychologist can help you learn some techniques to control your temper.
- Take appropriate medications: Talk to a doctor experienced with traumatic brain injuries. There are medications available to help you control your temper.
Other Support Options To Help You With Your Concussion or TBI
Not all help has to come from doctors or psychologists. There are other things you can do to assist you in controlling your emotions and mood swings as you recover from your concussion.
- Join a brain injury support group. There are many groups available for you and your family in South Carolina.
- Peer Mentoring. Seek out someone who has suffered from a TBI for a long period of time. They can share their experiences, give you support and suggestions to help you.
- Check with your local South Carolina Brain Injury Association to find out about the different resources that may be available to you and your family.
- Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or clergy member who is a good listener. It always helps to have someone you can trust to talk to.
The South Carolina law office of David R. Price, Jr., P.A., urges everyone with a concussion or traumatic brain injury that is experiencing any emotional and/or mood swing issues to seek help.
Whether you seek help from f a medical professional, organization, or trusted friend, it’s important that you don’t go through your concussion recovery alone. In addition, if you are injured because of the negligence of another person, whether it was in a car wreck or other accident, it is important that you address your legal case as quickly as possible. Contact the attorneys at David R. Price, Jr., P.A., today for a free consultation.
