Many people with brain injury have extreme mood swings. Others show no change in emotions. As a person becomes more aware, depression may set in. Signs of depression should be brought to the attention of healthcare professionals. A number of treatments are available that may be helpful for improving his or her quality of life.

Team members address the person's feelings and behavior. A team member may ask an angry person to “calm down.” If the person does so, he or she is praised for using self-control. Then the person may be asked how he or she was able to handle the emotion. If he or she knows, the technique can be used again.

A person with a brain injury may pass through stages of agitation and aggression. A healthcare professional needs to ensure that there is no physical, medical, or psychiatric cause for the agitation. If the person's safety is a concern, restraints may be used. If this happens, be sure to contact the healthcare team. Or team members may take turns staying with the person. As a person becomes calmer, the team may do the following:

• Point out when a behavior is not proper. Then explain what the person could do instead.

• Redirect agitated actions such as pacing.

• Divert the person from tasks that are upsetting.

• Reduce stimuli such as TV, phones, frequent visitors.

• Try to stay away from situations that may trigger agitated or aggressive behavior.

After a brain injury, some people see only how matters relate to themselves. They may not be aware of how their actions and words affect others. Group rehab helps people with brain injuries learn to deal with others. It also improves speech. Playing games helps people link ideas and increase hand-eye skills.