Brain Injuries and Suicide

According to research, many of those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury are at a higher risk for suicide than those in the general population. What are the risk factors and how can they be prevented?

Where brain injuries and suicide are concerned, the following are some of the risk factors: depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, lower levels of psychosocial functioning, aggressive behavior, and those with poor decision making skills. Other risk factors are panic attacks, issues with anger, memory loss and impaired thinking, substance abuse, a tendency to withdraw from society and impulsive behavior.

Mental health disorders are a major factor contributing to suicides as well as having such pre-injury problems as a seizure disorder, (either pre or post injury), bipolar disease, personality disorder, psychosis,history of psychiatric illness or a history of suicide in other family members.

Other issues relating to the risk of suicide is a feeling of hopelessness, those who have a perception of loss, isolation, poor family relationships, feeling lonely, suffering from lack of initiative, experiencing extreme fatigue, having few friends, no significant other, an inability to get a job, cognitive issues, feelings of low self-worth, feelings of unhappiness and those who are likely to engage in high risk behaviors.

The largest percentage of brain injury sufferers at risk for attempted suicide or suicide are males in the 25 - 35 year age range. Suicides and attempted suicides are particularly high amongst soldiers in the military. The rate has increased despite programs for suicide prevention and intervention particularly since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In order to help a friend or family member decrease the risk of suicide, what can we do? It is necessary to identify any psychiatric or psychological issues. If any are suspected, contact a Mental Health Association with your concerns. Other issues leading to a high risk situation are economic problems, inability to adjust to their disability, pre-injury problems such as a dysfunctional and chaotic family background and a lower economic status.

It is also important to be aware of any non-verbal behaviors or cues, to maintain contact with the person and be aware of their whereabouts, encourage communication, avoid arguments, help to establish a safety net, let others know of the risk potential, encourage counseling, try to identify triggers that may initiate suicidal thoughts, recognize their moods and to provide alternatives to high risk behaviors.

Most head injury sufferers are definitely not predisposed to suicide. However, if the patient is at high risk, it is important to be aware of this so that measures can be taken to ensure his/her safety.