I had TERRIBLE anxiety and depression after my injury. Part of it I think is normal grieving process and being worried about what is going to happen to all your life plans. Part of it is wacky biochemistry from the brain injury.

I had mild depression that was well-managed before the concussion. It got seriously out of control afterwards. It is really really awful and can be downright scary, especially if you are having self-harming thoughts. If you DO have these type of thoughts and think you might act on them, please call 911 right away or go to the emergency room.

I can't remember how long ago your injury was or what meds (if any) you have for depression and anxiety?

There are some natural self-care things you can do at home to help alleviate it as well as medical stuff like meds and therapy.

Here are some natural things you can do to strengthen the brain. They should help alleviate depression & anxiety as well as some of your PCS symptoms:

- Eat a whole foods (clean eating) diet high in omega-3s and tryptophan. Take 3 tbsp of ground flax seed in juice every morning for a complete daily dose of both and then whatever you eat during the day is bonus.

- Be sure to stay well hydrated. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily (i.e. if you weigh 100lbs, drink 50 oz. of water).

- There are also hot and cold water treatments you can do to increase circulation to the brain. In the shower, alternate 3 minutes of hot water with 1 minute of cold for at least 3 cycles. Always end on cold.The greater the temperature contrast, the greater the benefit (just be sure not to scald yourself). Don't get the very hot water on your head, but do get it on your shoulders. Cold water is okay to get on your head.

- Sunlight through the skin is good for vitamin D and through the eyes is good for melatonin (sleeping at night).

- Listening to baroque music (such as Bach) can help strengthen frontal lobe function (provided it does not increase symptoms).

- Exercise (even light exercise such as walking) can reduce harmful biochemicals and release endorphins. Again, be sure you are keeping it gentle enough to avoid symptoms. If you are in the middle of an anxiety attack, exercise can help stop it.

- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and other non-prescribed drugs.

- Avoid or strictly limit television, video games, smart phone, and computer usage.

- Get fresh air daily and take 10-20 minutes specifically to do deep diaphragmatic breathing.

- Try to have regular times for sleeping and waking.

- Connect with spiritual practice, even something as small as making a list of 3-5 things you are grateful for.

- Relabel your depressive and anxious thoughts as not coming from yourself: "That's not me; that's my depression talking." or "That's not me; that's my anxiety talking." Then you can argue with the thoughts a little easier and see whether or not they are rational. Remember that DEPRESSION LIES! You can get more free info on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy here: http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/website.htm which will help you learn to argue with your irrational thoughts.

These things will strengthen the brain naturally and shouldn't interfere with any medications or treatments your doctors want to use.

Keep in touch. I know it can feel truly terrible to go through this. We are all here for you!!