Kids with concussions more likely to suffer from depression
Last week on The Current we shared some concerning new findings about concussions and suicide. A new Canadian study had found that adults who suffered even mild concussions were three times more likely to take their own lives.
According to a Canadian study, adults aren't the only ones dealing with long-term effects from concussions. A Canadian study found that out of 92 children and teens, ages seven to 18, who suffered from concussions, 22 per cent presented signs of clinical depression.
Often times, kids and teens said things such as "I feel like I've dropped off an edge of a cliff" or "I don't feel like myself," pointing to a distinct change in their emotional well-being after they experienced a concussion.
We know we need to get in there and intervene early so these symptoms don't overpower their lives and affect their participation at school or social activities with friends.- Carol DeMatteo, associate professor, McMaster University
Carol DeMatteo is an associate professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University. She was involved in conducting this study and says that "every day we have more and more awareness of what we should be doing with concussion" and the conversation needs to change to address any early signs of depression.
This segment was produced by The Current's Ines Colabrese.