m 3 weeks out of hospital, living on my own hence looking after myself with no help except the physio and OT visits i receive. Im feeling very very lonely as i have no friends or family to interact with. Are there any stroke groups etc here in Cairns Queensland Australia that can e of help with my ongoing boredom/ depression issues
Hi Jeff
Sorry to read about being alone especially having no one to help you. Send a message to the Stroke Foundation to see if is a stroke group nearby.
And keep on writing on EnableMe.
Marcus
Hi Jeff , I was where you are 10 months ago ,mate , and yes we are alone, but that's great, after being through th physiology and OT , I realized it's now up to me to take charge of my life , it' can be a worrying challenge ,or it can be fun , it's like camping at home lol,
the satisfaction at looking after oneself using a little brain power to make up for the full mobility , I'm mostly in a wheelchair and drag wardrobes and big lumps of wood around for my hobbies ,with a calculated risk element , it's like being a pioneer in the Wild West , but it's in my own home , I've made a network up of interests through my iPad , and I advise you to , "Adapt , Improve and improvise " the things you're interested in your life , I like wood work , so I downsized my tools to a Dremmel and have fun shaping and carving ,at a scale I can manage at the moment , so it's little steps ,Till big ones take over , and they will come because that's what I've found , I have to get out of myself and get interested in life now, think of it like " it's a jungle out there" in the big new world , but little by little you're confidence will grow , with " little Victorys" like start with making a meal , order you're shopping on line , find other ways to do things , they are there for the determined , you have taken a wonderful first step , congratulate yourself , your writing your thoughts down, and looking for answers , "if the student is willing ,the teacher will appear" and you don't have to be calm and relaxed about it if it's not you're nature , like me " I'm as mad as hell and I ant going to take it any more " lol , no really is ok to let you're feelings out , my nature is to run around like a choke with no head looking for an expert to help me with a major problem I have had in life , I've pestered everyone , asking everything and everybody about my problem , looking for the expert , that could give me the help I desperately craved , frustrating at times ,but never giving up , and low and behold the " Expert finally speared " and you know who it was . it was me " I became the expert I was looking for , and Jeff good buddy you are on you're way to find you mate , I'm proud of you , keep asking ,keep writing and don't let this chapter in life define you , the new world awaits mate and it's fun and just as beautiful as it always was , I look forward to hearing your "Pilgrims Progress" s you've inspired me , "Adapt , Improve and Improvise , you expert you , cheers Jjimbo in limbo Lol
Hi Everyone,
Jeff, I am sorry to hear that you are feeling lonely, there is support available and talking your GP would be a great start. Many stroke survivors can experience depression and a referral to a psychologist may be helpful for you.
Please find a link below to our ‘Depression after Stroke factsheet’ which has great information around treatment and recovery.
Joining a local support group can absolutely be a step in the right direction and can allow you to meet and interact with like minded people on their own recovery journeys.
Please find below a link to our ‘Local support groups and choirs’ page to find a group in your area.
I believe there is a support group located in Cairns ‘Cairns STEPS Network Group’ that may interest you.
I would also encourage you to talk to your team (OT/physio) about how you are feeling as they may be able to connect you to local community based networks and groups and assist with finding the right support for you.
Like Jeff and Marcus said, it is important to take small steps each day at a time and keep reaching out for support.
I hope this information is helpful and if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us on 1800 787 653 or email us at strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au.
Best Wishes,
StrokeLine