Stroke and depression
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Depression in stroke survivors is common. But there are many ways to get help.
A certain amount of depression is a normal part of the grieving process that usually follows stroke, but depression can be severe enough to affect functioning, and can slow down the rehabilitation of the person who has the stroke or make a caregiver unable to adequately look after the person. Most of the information on this page and other helpful advice can be found in our free Life After Stroke book.
It's estimated that one in three stroke survivors experiences depression in the five years following stroke (US National Stroke Association).
Warning signs
- Feeling sad, hopeless, helpless, worthless
- Thinking of suicide
- Negative self-image
- Loss of appetite or markedly increased appetite
- Loss of sexual drive
- Weight loss
- Negative thoughts about the future
- Poor concentration
- Low energy
- Waking very early in the morning
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in others
- Indecision
There is a fine line between the stress, tiredness and feeling ‘down’ to be expected after a stroke, and more serious depression, so it is important to fully discuss depressed feelings with the doctor. Expert help and advice can make an amazing difference.
What helps
Counselling at an early stage can be helpful. Advice from a psychiatrist can be invaluable in planning treatment.
The person with depression can also do a great deal for themselves, for example by:
- recognising the need to accept help
- dealing with stress
- understanding that depression is not a ‘weakness’, but a health disorder
- recognising that depression is part of the grieving process and that being depressed is a stage in the recognition of how things have changed
- talking about their feelings and getting more understanding of their psychological state
- changing the depressed behaviour (e.g. making an effort to get going when they don’t feel like it, filling an hour with a demanding task or entertaining activity that leaves no room for depressed thoughts). This is a way of controlling the depression instead of letting it take charge. Once the initial effort is made, the hardest part is over.
Joining a social rehabilitation group, such as a stroke club, or re-joining old activities and interests (e.g. attending concerts or sports events, bowling club, senior citizens’ club, RSA, etc.) will help to alleviate depression, but caregivers may need to take the initiative and take the person along at first in the face of protests.
Talk to our Community Stroke Advisors for more information.
The numbers below can help too:
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
- Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
- Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7) (visit depression.org.nz for further resources too)
- CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.