Depression and Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders

Depression is a serious illness that can change many parts of your life. It might change how you feel, how you think, and even what you are able to do.

It is different from normal feelings of sadness, stress, or grief. Depression can get in the way of doing what you want, and it may last weeks, months, or even years if not treated.Depression can affect all types of people from all walks of life.

If you have a spinal cord injury and disorder (SCI/D) may be affected by depression more often because of the serious changes, stress, and challenges they face. About one in three people with SCI/D will become depressed at least once during their life.

If you think that you might have depression, it is important that you discuss this with one of your health care providers. With treatment, depression can be improved or cured. You can feel better and enjoy your life again.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression is identified by symptoms that are there most of the time for 2 weeks or more.

Two of the most important symptoms of depression are:

• Feeling sad, down, or “blue”

• Loss of interest in things, or not getting pleasure from things that you like

Other symptoms of depression are:

• Eating more or less than usual, which may lead to weight loss or gain

• Sleeping too much or not enough

• Feeling restless, not able to sit still, or feeling slowed down

• Feeling tired or low on energy

• Feeling bad about yourself or feeling guilty

• Finding it hard to think, make decisions, or remember things

• Thinking about dying or killing yourself

If you have some of these symptoms for 2 weeks or more, talk with a health care provider such as one of your SCI/D providers. A spinal cord injury or spinal cord disorder can affect things like energy level, appetite, and sleep, even if you don’t have depression. So, it is important to speak with an SCI/D health care provider to help decide what you should do.

How is depression treated?

There are 2 main ways to treat depression: 

• Psychotherapy. This means working with a psychologist or other mental health provider on ways to help you feel better, think more clearly, and do the things that you want to do. It can also help you to make changes you want in your life, and it can help you deal with problems like poor sleep, pain, anxiety, and/or stress. 

• Antidepressant medicines. These treat depression by fixing the balance of chemicals in your brain. People with SCI/D can be sensitive to the side effects of antidepressants, so it is very important to discuss treatments with your SCI/D doctor.

Resources

To learn more about depression in people with SCI/D, read the free guide from the Paralyzed Veterans of America.