February 16, 2017 5:06 pm Published by sperling

Imagine this – one day you are functioning normally and enjoying life, when suddenly it is all taken away by a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Many individuals who sustain a brain injury often experience depression by the sudden loss of self and functional changes. These individuals are at very high risk of suicide. Although much has been done to eliminate the stigma of mental illness, many often encounter discrimination making it difficult for the individual who is having suicidal thoughts to speak out about their struggle.

According to Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D. of Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute at Brookhaven Hospital, males aged 65 and older are the #2 at risk group, following males aged 25-35 who have sustained a brain injury and formed suicidal thoughts. Studies have found that 17% of individuals with a TBI report contemplating suicide, and attempt suicide in a 5 year post injury period.

Dr. Gainer created a Power Point that explains various prevention and treatment issues, identifying risk factors, indicators of someone who is having feelings of hopelessness due to their injury, and many other tips for professionals to use when in the field. Below is the link to the presentation: Here

As the TBI Specialist for the Greater North Shore Link, I am your first resource for TEl-related issues.

I can be reached at: pcox@northshorelink.org, or by telephone at 978-624-2206. Anyone can also call the following:

Liz Harnois, Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA) Elder Info & Referral Specialist at: (844) 839-7154.

Gabriela Lawrence-Soto HRSA Elder TBI Grant Program Coordinator at MRC at: (617) 204-3662.

Credit: Thank you to Courtney Cassells, TBI Specialist for the Metro West ADRC, for sharing the information about Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D., and the link above to the Power Point.

Interview with Dr. Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D.
Rolf B. Gainel/ Ph.D. is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute at Brookhaven Hospital and the Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario (Canada). Dr. Gainer is a psychologist who has been involved in the design and operation of community based rehabilitation programs for people with a brain injury since 1977. He has presented papers at many conferences in the United States and Canada in the area of post-acute brain injury rehabilitation. Dr. Gainer~ professional interests include: the rehabilitation of individuals with complex care problems, neurobehavioral syndromes and dual diagnosis. He is active in outcome research and currently is involved in three outcome study projects. Read more: Here

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This post was written by sperling