The Impact of Head Injuries on Personality Changes, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation

Laura Kimbro cradled her son in her arms just moments after he had taken his life, convinced that he did not genuinely want to die.

Almost two years earlier, Seth Kimbro had stared at his parents in fear, asking, “Am I going to die?” after a frightening accident where he collided into a large mailbox that was partially obscured by tall weeds while riding in a utility task vehicle.

The 22-year-old suffered a severe injury, resulting in a significant wound on his shattered chin, fractures in his jaw, and damaged teeth. Fortunately, both CT and MRI scans revealed no indications of physical brain damage, bringing relief to the family. They shifted their focus to the lengthy process of physical recovery, leaving concerns about brain injuries aside.

“When they informed us that he had no brain damage, I felt such relief, especially since his head took the brunt of the impact. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, saying, ‘Thank you, God.’ I even got down on my knees to pray and express my thanks,” Mrs. Kimbro recounted to The Epoch Times.

According to all accounts, Seth was making impressive progress in his recovery. Although he had lost weight due to having his jaw wired shut, he was regaining muscle and—seemingly—confidence. He had met a woman, proposed to her, and moved in together. He was excited about a new job and eagerly anticipated his sister’s wedding.

However, subtle signs indicated that Seth was not entirely emotionally and mentally at ease. He confided in his mother, who promptly scheduled the earliest appointment for him to see a therapist, unfortunately, not for another 24 days. Tragically, Seth took his life just six days before the appointment.

Related Stories

PCS can manifest through symptoms such as brain fog, migraines, nausea, memory issues, and blurred vision. This condition can coexist with PCS depression, resulting in personality shifts that make it challenging for individuals to reconcile their former selves with their new post-injury identities, along with the potential for suicidal thoughts.

A Different Type of Brain Injury

Concussions are categorized as mild forms of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that can either heal within minutes or take months to recover from. They can be caused by direct head impacts—such as from sports or vehicular accidents—or by violent shaking. Loss of consciousness may not always occur, but the individual’s state of awareness can shift, leading to disorientation or confusion.

Symptoms of depression tend to be most intense in the initial two weeks after a concussion but can linger for months or even years afterwards.

Severe TBIs can impact cognitive capabilities, behavior, or physical functions, resulting in either short-term or long-lasting brain damage, and have long been associated with an increased risk of suicide. The anecdotal evidence suggesting even mild TBIs can elevate the risk of depression and suicide has prompted researchers to delve deeper into the data.

Fong detected this pattern early in her career while working with war veterans at Veterans Affairs Health Care, where many displayed normal MRI results yet experienced a range of symptoms. This surge in cases resulted from improved survival rates following blasts, likely due to superior military equipment and medical intervention. Nevertheless, many veterans were left grappling with symptoms often misdiagnosed as psychological issues, with insufficient attention paid to potential brain injuries, she noted.

“Some medical gaslighting takes place with numerous brain-injured patients, affecting individuals of all genders and ages,” she remarked.

The absence of functional scans in typical clinical settings can result in misdiagnosis, according to Fong. Additionally, many patients may score within normal parameters on cognitive tests since they can concentrate and focus for brief periods but struggle to maintain that focus long-term.

Clinical Tools May Identify Risk

It is possible that PCS depression is often overlooked because its symptoms can overlap with those of the concussion itself. However, research suggests that patient screening and evaluations—not routinely performed—could help identify those most at risk.

Those with both conditions scored significantly worse on the screenings compared to individuals with only a concussion or depression. Additionally, participants with a history of both conditions exhibited altered alpha band synchronization on EEG, indicating poor communication among brain regions.

The authors suggested that EEG and neuropsychological screenings could serve as objective measures for individuals experiencing depression following a concussion.

“Our findings indicate that during follow-up visits for concussions, healthcare providers should assess the mental health of their patients. Collaborative care and mental health treatment have been demonstrated to enhance outcomes for pediatric concussion patients exhibiting chronic symptoms,” the authors concluded.

Healing is Possible

Anessa Arehart’s recovery exemplifies an essential aspect of PCS depression—while healing can be a gradual, frustrating, and isolating journey, it can also be liberating.

After experiencing two severe car accidents within 53 days, Arehart developed debilitating headaches. She recounted to The Epoch Times that following the second accident, she was unable to write her name. Brain imaging revealed extensive damage, notable bruising, and swelling. However, it wasn’t until a year later that a neurologist notified her about PCS.

“I hardly remember much of the last decade,” Arehart shared. “I felt disconnected from my own body. I fell into a deep depression because I am usually an outgoing, joyful person. The depression was overwhelming; I reached a point where I felt I couldn’t continue living.”

Although therapy helped her learn to forgive the drivers involved in the accidents, she discovered that her brain began to mend during lengthy walks in nature. These outdoor experiences became so crucial that she chose to live in a tiny home built on 50 acres, allowing her to immerse herself in nature.

“Sitting in the woods made me feel nurtured, comforted, and calmed. I often encountered things that symbolized rebirth, healing, or the promise of better times ahead. Nature provided gentle reminders that instilled hope during moments when my headache was excruciating,” Arehart reflected.

She has since relearned painting, her passion, and authored two books about her journey to inspire others. One of these is a coffee table book featuring her nature photography, taken daily to help commemorate her experiences and facilitate her healing process.

Fong observed that intensive therapy can accelerate recovery, enabling patients to return to their normal activities more swiftly—and often in a more convenient manner.

At Fong’s clinic, patients complete therapy within a two-week timeframe, dedicating entire days to on-site treatments. The program includes exercises targeting cognition, brain-muscle coordination, vision, balance, and sensory integration, in addition to a psychological component to assist those grappling with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Regardless of the healing path chosen, Fong emphasized the importance of having a professional—preferably one familiar with PCS—available for support during times of suicidal ideation.

“Those thoughts are a normal reaction. They don’t need to signify anything,” she said. “Acknowledge the thought, accept it, and then let it pass. Engage in a distraction; watch a movie or explore a new hobby.”

Signs of PCS

How can you recognize if you’re facing PCS? Any significant impact or violent shaking of the head may lead to post-concussion syndrome. Symptoms typically fall into four categories: