Hello, my husband had a concussion almost 5 years ago and was diagnosed with post concussion syndrome shortly after that. He has been doing much better over the last 4 years but has definitely struggled with depression and anxiety from time to time. The last two days he has been feeling lightheaded, nauseous, and just can't seem to do anything. Getting him out of bed has been a struggle. Do you think this is related to depression? He was recently trying to lower his dose of citalopram and I am wondering if he shouldn't have done that? We called the doctor to see if he could switch back to his usual dosage. Can depression have physical symptoms? I just want to make sure I help him the best I can.

Hi there,

Yes, Depression can have physical symptoms, but that may not be the only thing that is going on here. You do not give a reason for your husband to be reducing his Citalopram, but that reduction can lead to withdrawal and an increase, or return, of original issues:

http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvic...x?theme=mobile

This is a highly respected Body over here, their advice is impartial and only meant to benefit the sufferer.

If your husband, or yourself, would like to chat about anything Depression-related, I am always about. We also have an active Concussion/PCS Forum where knowledgeable Members will make you feel welcome.

Dave.

Hello and welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

Here is the link to the forum that Dave has mentioned in his post.

Traumatic Brain Injury & Post Concussion Syndrome Forum

Also, a lot of people are very sensitive to even small changes in their medications and yes, sometimes lowering a dose will cause physical symptoms. Depression can also have physical symptoms as can Anxiety. The majority of people will heal from a concussion quickly but there are many who will not and those symptoms associated with Post Concussion Syndrome can be much longer lasting.

I hope he is feeling better fast. Please do have him see the doctor if these problems persist.

take care.

Hi ergh1990

Adding to the wise comments from Dave and Lara, clinical depression can certainly have physical signs (that has been my experience).

As far as medication is concerned, matching the "right" anti-depressant to the "right" person can take some time.

If your husband feels that Citalopram is not helping then encouraging him to see his prescribing doctor about trying something else is a good plan.

All the best.

I had a concussion followed by depression. It was not fun. Some weeks later, I had a very strong feeling dream, and then my concussion-induced depression lifted. It happened all at once and it stayed lifted. Weirdly, for the next few days after the dream, I made lots of connections and realizations I hadn't made before.

I am not diagnosed with anything and am not on any meds, though, so your situation may not resolve in the same way mine did.

I would make sure he gets plenty of sleep. If he lies awake at night, tell him to just lay there until he sleeps, even if it is for hours. Sometimes focusing on my breathing a little bit helps me finally nod off. Avoid reading. It makes you more right-eye dominant because of the direction of the words, when really both sides of the brain need to recover.

One thing that helps me sometimes is to hold my index finger and track my eyes as I move it from far left through the center-through the far right and then back again. If my eyes jerk or I feel emotion, I might stay in a portion of my vision again.

My belief is this helps my brain make connections between the two sides, as it forces both of my eyes to work together. Such connections can be broken during a concussion.

Some people say cross country skiing helps build these connections, as you have to move both legs and arms together. I don't have skis, but I've walked while deliberately moving my arms and legs. I have felt some emotional relief this way. Or one could just get on a nordic-track.