Yes, and it is very common to be diagnosed with these issues after your injury (with no prior diagnosis before head injury) such as dyslexia, bi-polar, ADHD, etc. AS A DIRECT RESULT of the brain injury.

Yes, first depression, then many years l later anxiety. Turns out the anxiety meds work far better than the anti-depressants ever did. Anxiety attacks seem to come out of nowhere. I don't always recognize what caused an attack. Too much news, coffee, too many distractions or different sounds all at once. There are so many things that seem to silently trigger anxiety. I used to be a very easy going person and let things go like water running off a ducks back. It seems to be my habit to internalize everything and let it all explode within me. I also have PTSD from childhood experiences, including a childhood marriage and emotional abuse. I can't change the past, nor ignore it. I can however learn how to live with the triggers that jolt me back in time to forgotten memories that seem to want to rule my life.

I’ve had my brain injury for three years now. I have healed so much, but have battled depression and anxiety. Recently, my psychiatrist prescribed me Abilify. She said it will help the Paxil work. She also said I have Bipolar 2 symptoms.

Has anyone received a mental health diagnosis after BI? Is this common?

He's opened his eyes which is great. That in itself will be overwhelming for him. Unusual place, different people. Don't rush to get him jumping through hoops. The brain can shut down very fast when fatigued. Please take things easy. But....thank you for supporting him.

Can he do basic 1 step imitation? Like open close hand after hearing "do this". This will identify if he has control over his body and which parts. You can say "tap" then touch his finger and physically tap his finger for him and repeat "tap". See if he can do it on his own. This is after you know he can imitate the movement now you can add a word or label to it. Think of movements that might be helpful like "arms up" to help him get dressed. See if he can imitate the movement then add language to keep it easier for him to progress.

candy_surece's Answers

Has anyone received a mental health diagnosis after BI? Is this common?

I am trying desperately to get my dad to follow commands after surgery. His eyes are now open. What should I be doing?