Coming to terms with what has happened is an important stage in recovery after stroke and it can take time. Each person living with stroke may experience the impact of stroke differently and it is important to note that a person’s ability to come to terms with stroke is not always related to severity of symptoms or extent of recovery. We all have a role in supporting individuals to live well after stroke. Stroke can cause a variety of thoughts and feelings. You may observe:
- Fears and worries– shock, disbelief and a sense of loss can affect individuals following stroke and their family just like a grief reaction. They may feel frightened by lapses in memory or worried that they may have another stroke. Occupational Therapists can offer advice on cognitive screening and rehabilitation. Doctors and nurses can offer advice on reducing the risk of stroke.
- Anger and frustration– there may be anger about what has happened or frustration because of changes in ability. Sometimes the effect of a stroke can make people more irritable with those around them and people with stroke may be more prone to mood swings. This can make it more difficult to cope following stroke. Clinical Psychologists can offer support in coming to terms with the impact of stroke. There may be frustration if changes to communication make it more difficult to understand or to feel understood. Speech & Language Therapists can support communication after stroke.
- Depression and anxiety– it is common for people to feel anxious or low after a stroke and this is quite normal. Feeling low is natural for a while after a stroke. But, if it noticed or disclosed that someone is feeling low most of the time it could be a sign of depression. If this is the case, they should be encouraged to discuss it with their doctor or nurse. Clinical Psychologists can also offer support with low mood following stroke, where available.
- Loss of confidence– lack of confidence and low self esteem are common after stroke. It is important to focus on what is improving, rather than what has been lost. Supporting individuals after stroke to be more involved in making decisions about care, learning new skills or setting realistic goals. Accessing appropriate activity after stroke can help in building confidence as well as providing the benefits of exercise on mood and fitness. Physiotherapists or community stroke nurses can offer advice on how to access exercise after stroke.
- Lack of motivation or fatigue– recovery from a stroke is usually gradual and made up of small but significant achievements. If you are feeling tired and low this can affect your motivation to recover and get out and about again. Set small, achievable goals to help you feel as positive and motivated as possible. Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists can offer advice on managing fatigue. There may be a loss of motivation to join in with social activities following stroke due to changes in eating or swallowing e.g. eating out with friends or due to changes in communication. This can lead to social isolation. Speech & Language Therapists can advise on adapted diets & fluids in addition to communication support.
Supporting people to come to terms with the impact of stroke on them individually is an important part of stroke rehabilitation. Facilitating self management after stroke can be of great benefit. More information available at: www.chsselearning.org.uk/advancing-modules/self-management
The following resources are of benefit to those experiencing the impact of stroke as an individual: www.selfhelp4stroke.org or as a family member/carer: www.stroke4carers.org
Page last reviewed: 30 Mar 2021
