Why post-head injury mental health matters in preventing suicide

It’s natural to be concerned about how a head injury might affect your physical health. But did you know your mental well-being is also at risk? A recent study found that head injuries increase one’s risk of a suicide attempt by 21%.

Why do head injuries increase risk of suicide? 

Injuries to the head can result in emotional dysregulation, impulse control and difficulty with decision making. People may also experience depression and hopelessness following their injury. These symptoms, coupled with impulsivity, may increase one’s risk of acting on suicidal thoughts that they may have resisted prior to their injury.

Additionally, post-injury challenges can include chronic headaches, seizures, memory issues, sensory overload and sleep concerns. Depending on injury severity, the person may have trouble holding employment and managing relationships. This snowball effect can increase suicide risk. While the highest period of risk is months to a few years after the injury, it can last well beyond that.

Are there certain head injuries that increase your risk of suicide? 

Penetrating head injuries or open head injuries, such as gunshot wounds, shrapnel and sharp object penetration tend to be more severe than closed head injuries and are linked to long-term risk of depression or suicide.

Frontal lobe injuries can indirectly increase suicide risk as this part of the brain is involved in impulse control and executive function. Repeated head injuries in cases of military trauma, sports or domestic violence can compound suicide risk more than a single event.

Signs that your head injury might be causing mental health problems

Following a head injury, health care providers screen and monitor for worsening mood and emotional changes, such as:

• Persistent low mood, such as sadness or hopelessness
• Emotional instability, like mood swings and agitation
• Lack of motivation
• Disinterest in previously enjoyable activities
• Extreme impulsivity and poor impulse control
• Worsening depression
• Inability to hold employment
• Isolation or social withdrawal
• Difficulty concentrating, memory issues or trouble with executive functioning
• Expression of suicidal ideation

While the focus is on severe head injuries, less severe injuries, such as concussions, shouldn’t be overlooked. Post-concussion syndrome certainly has the potential to contribute to mental health decline and risk of suicide.

Suicide risk following a head injury can be managed with early screening, symptom recognition and timely intervention. If your mood worsens or you have thoughts of self-harm, call the suicide & crisis lifeline at 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.

William Collopy is a behavioral health nurse practitioner at Advocate Health Care. 

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