I'd like to take the time to acknowledge all the folks who have private messaged me on Facebook and left comments on the Citizen site thanking me for this column. Your feedback has been very encouraging and much appreciated. Thank you for your support.
The focus of this article is on brain injury and depression. Given our current social distancing directive, this topic is highly relevant.
When I was attending the Rebuilding After Brain Injury classes at the Prince George Brain Injured Group, I learned that recent studies identify between 25 to 50 per cent of people with brain injuries are diagnosed with depression. This is definitely a higher percentage compared to the general population.
There are two main causes of depression after brain injury. The complex relationship between neurons and neurotransmitters becomes damaged and depression can happen as part of the grieving process.
I find the word depression creeps into many conversations and the true definition is lost due to overuse. For example, if a friend told you "I had to take my car to the mechanic, I'm so depressed," this is an example of the "blues" that everyone experiences periodically.
Depression in its proper context isn't a condition that just goes away because you went and had your car repaired.
Many symptoms of depression already exist with survivors after brain injury. Some of these are:
• Physical aches and pains
• Feeling tired and drained
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Eating too much or not enough
• Trouble with concentration and decision making
• Inability to be happy
• Choosing to isolate at home and not see friends and family
• Loss of interest in favourite activities
• Lack of motivation to look after yourself and necessary tasks
Research points to depression and stress causing changes in brain activity. The area of the brain that governs memory is affected due to the damaged neurons causing reduced function. This is highly problematic because survivors of brain injury already struggle with memory issues. Decreased memory can make life seemingly unmanageable.
One thing I distinctly remember about what I learned at BIG is the ANTS and the ARTS. ANTS stands for Automatic Negative Thoughts, such as "I can't,” "I should,” and "I failed.” All of us have a negative neuron circuit in our brain. The more a person focuses on the negative, the stronger the negative neuron circuit becomes.
On the other hand, ART is Automatic Realistic Thoughts. For example, replace "I'm going to lose it because of social isolation" to "this is temporary and I'm looking forward to life when restrictions are lifted."
In the beginning, it takes work to strengthen the positive neuron circuit. However, by using more positive affirmations, the stronger the positive circuit becomes. Post positive affirmations around your house. Keep a journal and write down at least one positive thing that happened every day. Repeat positive thoughts and your brain will repeat them back to you.
In addition to practicing positive affirmations, engage in positive activities. Go for a walk. Sit outside and soak in the rays. Call a friend. Read a book. Watch a funny movie. Listen to uplifting music. The more you focus on the positive, the more your struggles won't feel so overwhelming.
I recently had a conversation with my friend Kelli, who also has a brain injury. We were talking about COVID-19 pandemic and she provided me with a very interesting perspective.
Kelli told me that brain injured people would cope better than most during this social isolation. Because we have already been suffering from all of the symptoms that were listed earlier, mine and Kelli's lives have not changed much at all.
We are used to not having freedom due to our cognitive and physical deficits. Our husbands are climbing the walls and we are the voice of reason.
I can honestly say there are benefits to having a brain injury. Especially now.
