How to Treat Depression from Brain Trauma

Depression is always a challenging disorder to treat. However, the challenge grows greater when treating depression brought on by brain trauma. This is a case when the depression is truly a result of biological circumstances and generally has little to do with one's upbringing and life experiences. Though this is difficult to treat, it is entirely possible to successfully treat depression that was caused by brain trauma with the proper skills and adequate patience.

Instructions

• 1

  Suggest that the patient see a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner to look into taking antidepressant medication, such as a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI). Unlike depression that is the result of a negative experience, depression that is the result of brain trauma is nearly entirely organic in nature. Therefore, it is typically best treated with medication as an aspect of treatment.

• 2

  Encourage the patient to attend support groups for people suffering from depression as the result of brain trauma. Support groups are commonly held at hospitals. If a local support group is not available, suggest that the patient seek out an online support group.

• 3

  Encourage the patient to eat a balanced diet. Refer the patient to a Registered Dietitian (RD) if the patient is unsure of how to go about consuming a balanced diet. A large portion of the body's serotonin if found in the digestive system, so good digestive health can lead to a decrease in symptoms of depression.

• 4

  Encourage the patient to spend at least 20 minutes per day in natural sunlight. Exposure to the sun assists the body in producing vitamin D which can decrease symptoms of depression.

• 5

  Encourage the patient to partake in aerobic exercise, such as walking, a minimum of 30 minutes per day three days per week. Exercise raises serotonin levels in the brain, thereby reducing the symptoms of depression.

• 6

  Suggest that the patient engage in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on a weekly basis with a qualified therapist or psychologist. CBT will assist the patient in learning how to cope with the impact of the brain trauma that was suffered.