Stroke & Depression

Depression is one of the least talked about, but most common problems experienced. Some experts suggest that up to 50% of all stroke survivors suffer from depression during the first year post stroke.

Most survivors are not adequately assessed for depression after stroke. Only a few are properly diagnosed and treated for depression. If your loved one has had a stroke, please be alert for signs of depression and have them assessed for depression by a professional.

There are many things you can do personally to help your loved one recover from or deal with depression. The following suggestions are not applicable to all cases. Choose any that may help your specific situation.

• Make sure your loved one continues to have social contact. Be gentle, but introduce ways of socialization as often as you can. Talking to friends, sharing stories, communicating are all great ways to fight depression.
• Support groups can be very helpful. Being with people that are experiencing the same challenges and difficulties is therapeutic. Knowing that you are not alone is very important. Find a support group!
• Educate yourself on stroke and the recovery process. Confusion and not knowing what happens next make great partners in creating more depression. Education can solve some anxiety and unfounded fears.
• Exercise and Eat Right. We all know that these two tasks are vital to healthy living. Monitor what your loved one is eating and doing. Make healthy choices easy to make.

Admittedly, some of this advice is very simple. Simple as it may seem, the advice will work.

Signs of depression are nothing to ignore. If you feel that your loved one may be experiencing depression, get help immediately.