PITTSBURGH — Concussions are arguably the most difficult sports injury to treat. Every year, more than 300,000 sports-related concussions occur in the United States, and the full impact of those concussions may not be felt until an athlete has retired.
Last week, future Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau took his own life, and the question many are asking is: Was it because of depression that may have been linked to the hits he took to the head during his playing days?
Dr. Ghassan Bejjani, a Pittsburgh neurosurgeon and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons spokesperson, indicates that studies on concussions have shownthere is a definite link between concussions and depression.
"Depression is pretty bad. It's like a silent killer," said Bejjani. "It's not just a feeling of sadness, it goes beyond that. It can affect the quality of life."
That has former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis concerned.
"It's scary because you wonder if the hits lead to the erratic behavior and possibility of being suicidal," Bettis said.
People are trying to help former players. The National Football League Players Association holds a former players convention everyyear, and at that convention, they have an exit symposium. Its top priority this year was getting its players information on psychological issues like depression.
Experts say ‘definite' link between concussions, depression
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