09/01/2026
TBI & Su***de Risk: What the Research Shows
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can affect far more than physical health. Research shows a meaningful connection between TBI and increased su***de risk.
Here are some important findings:
• Nearly 2× higher risk: A large JAMA study of more than 7.4 million people found that people who had received medical care for a TBI had about a 90% higher risk of dying by su***de than those without TBI.
• Severe TBI carries greater risk: Severe TBI was associated with approximately 2.4× the su***de risk.
• The first 6 months are especially important: Su***de risk was about 3.7× higher during the first six months after medical contact for TBI. Increased risk was still seen more than 7 years later.
• Repeated TBIs matter: Su***de risk increased from about 1.75× after one TBI-related medical contact to 2.59× after three or more.
• Mild TBI and concussion matter, too: A review of more than 700,000 people found that concussion/mild TBI was associated with approximately a 2× increased risk of su***de, along with increased suicidal thoughts and attempts.
• Veterans show a similar pattern: In 2023, Veterans with a recent TBI diagnosis had a su***de rate of 77.6 per 100,000, compared with 39.9 per 100,000 among those without a recent TBI diagnosis.
One statistic that deserves attention: 10.2% of people who died by su***de in the large Danish study had previously received medical care for a TBI.
Importantly, this does not mean that 10.2% of people with TBI die by su***de. It means that 10.2% of su***de deaths in that population occurred among people with a documented prior TBI.
Why does this matter?
TBI can affect emotional regulation, impulse control, judgment, sleep, cognition and personality. Depression, anxiety, chronic pain, loss of independence, difficulty returning to work, and changes in relationships or identity can add to that vulnerability.
TBI is more than a physical injury. Brain health and mental health are deeply connected—and recognizing that connection can help us better support survivors.
