In the state of California, people who have sustained a brain injury may experience feelings of depression or anxiety. These feelings are normal after a traumatic brain injury, whether it is mild or severe, and can go unnoticed by the patient. At times, these feelings may not appear immediately following the injury. It can take days or weeks for symptoms of a traumatic brain injury to show themselves, making it difficult at times to diagnose a brain injury properly.
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, such as depression or anxiety, can be mild or even mimic normal mood changes. Because these symptoms can be considered “normal,” many people do not seek medical treatment when they should. Because these symptoms can be mild, some do not connect them with a head injury that occurred weeks or months before. This can be dangerous. Recovery from a brain injury is often dependent upon rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Those close to a victim of a brain injury may be the first to notice changes in mood or behavior on the part of the victim. Family members and loved ones are urged to keep a close eye on any person they know who has suffered any type of head injury. If a person notices that a head injury victim begins to display changes in mood, like depression or anxiety, they should help that person seek immediate medical attention. Neglecting to have a brain injury treated can lead to worsening symptoms.
