A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto has revealed alarming new information about the long-term mental health consequences of concussions. According to the study, which was recently published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, concussions can triple the long-term risk of suicide.

Researchers took 235,000 people with a history of concussions who did not require hospitalization and observed their outcomes over the next 20 years. Out of 235,000 people, 677 committed suicide. In fact, the suicide rate was 31 per 100,000 cases, or slightly more than three times the average rate. People who received concussions on weekends were four times more likely to later commit suicide.

Why would people with a history of concussion be at higher risk for suicide? Researchers claim concussions and resulting inflammation can alter brain chemistry, putting people at risk for depression or other mental health conditions. Depression and irritability are frequently reported after concussions.

Concussions Can Happen to Anyone

One of the alarming aspects of this study is that it did not focus on professional athletes or veterans, but ordinary people who had sustained falls, survived auto accidents or suffered from blunt force trauma. Falls are one of the most common causes of concussions, especially for the elderly and children.

When people receive concussions during distracted driving accidents or after suffering falls at work, it is important to consider how their mental health will be affected. We must consider the long-term mental health effects of concussions for people who were injured by the negligent actions of others.