Post-Stroke Depression

No one plans for a stroke. It happens unexpectedly and leaves you adjusting to a lot of changes all at once. Roles you once held might be given to someone else or take more effort than they once did. Relationship dynamics with friends or family might have shifted. Your sense of self might be unsteady. People might treat you differently than they once did, making you feel misunderstood and lonely. On top of all that, your brain chemistry has changed. These series of frustrations and chemical shifts can often lead to feelings of depression. 

Some symptoms of depression can look like the results of common changes in ability after a stroke (slower movements, weight changes, fatigue, thinking difficulties, insomnia). That can make recognizing post-stroke depression a bit harder. Some things to look for in post-stroke depression specifically are:

• Persistent sad mood
• Feeling hopeless
• No motivation for ST, OT, or PT
• Feeling worthless
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies within current abilities
• Wishing you hadn't survived the stroke 
• Feeling suicidal

Antidepressants can help post-stroke depression symptoms, but it can be important to process your emotions and brainstorm coping skills as well. Counseling can help you navigate your new normal and the grief that often comes with it. 

If you or your loved one has had a stroke and you don't know if participating in talk therapy is possible, contact Austin Speech Labs for an evaluation to assess speech comprehension and production.