The relationship between brain injury and mental health is complex. While the connection is under-researched, we know that brain injury can be both an entirely separate issue from mental health and a trigger for the development of new mental health issues. The effects of brain injury and mental illness can look very similar. Understanding the similarities and differences between the two is important for individuals to advocate for themselves and for medical professionals to make accurate diagnoses.
A shift in mental health can impact a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others – it’s an essential part of our overall health and quality of life. Remember, mental health is more than the absence of a mental illness. Below are a few things you can use in your daily life to help develop a healthy and positive relationship with your mental health.