You may have emotional, behavioral or other mental health changes. Talk with your health care provider if your emotional changes become severe or if they do not go away. You may find help by talking with a social worker or psychologist.
You may have one or more of the following changes.
Anxiety is a strong feeling of fear and may involve constant worry. Intense anxiety is a temporary reaction to the stresses of everyday life. Some anxiety is normal.
You need to get help when you have physical symptoms that keep you from feeling healthy and affect your work or social life. Severe and chronic (long-lasting) anxiety needs treatment.
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
Clinical depression is a serious medical illness. It is not something you have made up in your head. It is more than just feeling "down" or "blue" for a few days. It is normal for you to feel sad after a brain injury. But there is a deeper sadness that may show up right after a brain injury or many weeks later.
You may have feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and poor self-esteem. These feelings can go on for weeks or months. Depression can even affect how often you become ill or how well you heal after your stroke.
You need to call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
You may have limited control over your feelings and reactions.You may laugh, cry or get upset more easily or at the wrong times.
You may have changes in how you interact with other people. You may have these types of behaviors:
You can go from being happy to being sad or angry without warning. Your mood swings may vary.
You may be focused on your needs and not be paying attention to members of your care circle.
Depression can include feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness and even thoughts of suicide.
Call your health care provider or the national Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 if you are having thoughts of death or suicide.