Suicidality and Self-Harm Among Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury: Risk and Protective Factors and Coping Mechanisms

What is it about?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been associated with increased suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Our study used a novel approach to explore participants’ perspectives on suicidality and non-suicidal self injury (NSSI) after TBI. We found that suicidality may be elevated due to the direct impacts of TBI such as fatigue and difficulties regulating emotions. TBI can also impact an individuals’ ability to manage life stressors - which can also increase thoughts of suicide. Encouragingly, participants self-reported several healthy coping strategies including positive self-talk and compassion, support from family, friends and their broader community, engaging in valued activities such as hobbies and exercise, connection with health professionals and use of psychiatric medication.

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