Emotional Problems After a Brain Injury
A brain injury can change your life in many ways, including the way you express your emotions. As a brain injury lawyer, like one from Therman Law Offices, LTD. can explain, some people who suffer brain injuries in accidents can experience a wide range of emotional problems, like:
Depression
Depression is a common mental health disorder among brain injury victims. If the injury affected the part of the brain that controls emotions, there may be biochemical changes in the brain. Symptoms of depression include sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue and trouble sleeping. Some people with depression may even have thoughts about suicide.
Anxiety
Some people who suffer brain injuries in an accident deal with uncontrollable anxiety afterward. Since a brain injury can cause difficulties with concentrating and problem solving, they may become overwhelmed when having to make decisions. They may feel more anxious in certain situations, like heavy traffic and crowded environments. Symptoms of anxiety include nervousness, sweating, rapid breathing, sleep problems and increased heart rate.
Irritability
Brain injury victims may also become very irritable. They may lose their temper easily and treat their loved ones poorly. These individuals may yell, use profanities, throw objects and threaten to hurt others. They may act this way because they are frustrated with how drastically their life has changed after a brain injury and take it out on other people.
Mood Swings
Brain injuries can result in extreme mood swings in some people. They may, for example, feel angry one moment and start laughing shortly afterward. These individuals often can’t control these intense mood swings.
Getting Compensation After a Brain Injury
If you suffered a brain injury in an accident caused by another person, you may be eligible to receive compensation. If you suffered emotional problems following a brain injury, you may be able to receive compensation for therapy and medications.
The first step is to speak to a brain injury lawyer. A lawyer can review the details of your case and determine if you have a good shot at obtaining compensation or not. Then, he or she will help you build a strong case by gathering evidence and identifying key witnesses. Your lawyer will also handle negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company, improving your chance of receiving fair compensation.