Brain Injury-Related Suicide 

The Rate of Suicide after Brain Injury 

In a June 8, 2018 report by the Centers for Disease (CDC), the CDC’s analysis found that the traumatic brain injury (TBI) suicide rate has increased nationwide from 1999 to 2016.  

In another CDC’s report, dated November 22, 2019,  the CDC analysis of traumatic brain injury–related death data from the National Vital Statistics System covering a 17-year period (2000 to 2017). This CDC’s report uncovered that the highest rates of TBI-related suicide are in males and American Indian or Alaska Natives. The CDC’s reported analysis also found: suicide surpassed motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of brain injury-related deaths between 2009–2011 and 2015–2017. 

The Rate of Suicide after Homeless with TBI 

A 2012 study found suicide rates to be 10 times higher for a homeless person.  Then, this year a study of six high-income countries — Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States about trauma to the brain’s of homeless people.  The study’s researchers found that 53 percent of the homeless population suffered a TBI during their lives. This study can be found in The Lancet Public Health, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(19)30188-4.

The Risk of Suicide after Head Injury

A person’s risk of suicide more than triples in the first six months after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to researchers.

Depression after a TBI

Depression following a traumatic injury to brain can occur whether it is mild, moderate, or severe. 

Symptoms include:

• • Feeling down or depressed  
  • Changes in sleeping habits
  • Loss of interest in activities or relationships
  • Change in appetite 
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs 
  • Feelings of despair or hopelessness 
  • Attempts at or thoughts of suicide

Help Is Available

If you or someone you know have thoughts of suicide, it is important to get help. Contact  the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. If you were in a recent Chicago area auto accident and suffered a head, back or spine injury, contact Cullotta Law Offices at 847-651-7191.  Our firm has been specializing in Brain Injury Litigation for over a decade.