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Depression, anxiety can accompany head injury

Concussion, bleeding, headaches - These are all side effects of a severe head injury or traumatic brain injury. But they are by no means the only side effects. In fact, head injuries can result in a multitude of issues.

Two side effects that are not readily associated with head injuries are anxiety and depression. The trauma of an accident can trigger mental health issues that should be closely watched.

How to recognize clinical depression
Everyone gets "a little down" at some point in life. Dealing with the aftermath of a Virginia car crash might be good reason for a few "blue" days. Particularly, if you've been injured in a car accident or truck accident, you might be frustrated waiting for your body to heal.

However, there is a significant difference between a few sullen days and a month of wanting to stay in bed. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, any type of trauma or stressful situation can trigger a depressive disorder. This can include a motor vehicle accident, traumatic fall and more.

Wondering if you're suffering from clinical depression following an accident? Signs that you might have a depressive disorder include:

• - Feeling sad for weeks at a time
• - Constant irritability
• - Fatigue
• - Insomnia or sleeping too much
• - Lack of appetite or eating too much
• - Loss of interest in favorite pastimes
• - Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• - Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
• - Feeling guilty or worthless
• - Thoughts of suicide

Depression can be a side effect of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or severe head injury. If you think that you or someone you know might be suffering from depression related to a previous accident, you might be able to sue to help pay for any medical expenses.

The experienced injury lawyers at Tronfeld, West & Durett can help. Call us today at 1-800-321-6741, or visit our offices in Richmond, Petersburg or Chesterfield.

How anxiety differs from depression
Anxiousness immediately following a traumatic event is normal and no cause for concern. However, if you struggle with feelings of anxiety for months on end with no particular cause, you might have an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders can show themselves in both emotional and physical symptoms, such as:

• - Constantly feeling tense or "on edge" for no apparent reason
• - Apprehensive or worrying that danger is always near
• - Irrational fears that you can't shake
• - Frequent panic attacks
• - Pounding heart or shortness of breath while at rest
• - Insomnia
• - Upset stomach

Anxiety disorder causes can include a traumatic accident such as a car crash, nasty fall or more. To see if your case might be worth pursuing, call the local law offices of Tronfeld, West & Durett at 1-800-321-6741 to speak with a knowledgeable injury attorney.

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