First time posting - stroke 4 weeks ago

Hi Amz83

Thank you for reaching out and I am sorry to hear how tough things have been for you following your stroke.

The feelings you have described are quite common after a stroke as many stroke survivors focus on the physical aspect of recovery in the early stages, before addressing the emotional. Mood changes are common after stroke and can occur in up to two thirds of stroke survivors. There are a number of options to consider in relation to your mood and the emotional changes you are going through.  It would be a good idea to see your local doctor and talk to them about this. You can talk to them about your eligibility for a mental health care plan, as talking to a psychologist or counsellor might be helpful. You might also like to discuss with your local doctor whether medication might also be helpful, although this might not be possible with a young baby. We also have a fact sheet on Depression and anxiety after a stroke which might be helpful to you

The other feelings you are describing are also common after a stroke as stroke survivors can find it more challenging to manage feelings of frustration and of anger. Again it can be helpful to discuss these with a counsellor or a psychologist, as they can help you develop strategies to manage these feelings. You might like to try mindfulness or meditation techniques (even a deep breathing exercise)  when you are feeling frustrated or upset, as these can help manage some of those feelings. . The fact sheet Emotional and personality changes after stroke might also be of interest, the fact sheet does provides some ideas about things that might help with how you are feeling.

Are you seeing any therapists for your ongoing rehabilitation? I know this might be difficult with a new baby? If you are, it would be worth speaking with them about the changes in your left hand. The feeling of numbness and tingling are very real and can certainly be related to your stroke. A physiotherapist may be able to assist with managing these, or developing strategies to help manage these symptoms. If you are not able to participate in a rehabilitation program, it would be a good idea to seek a private physiotherapist. you could speak with your local doctor about your eligibility for the Chronic conditions Management Treatment Plan which would entitle you to 5 sessions of Allied Health therapy, such as a physiotherapist, at a Medicare rebated rate.

It sounds like it has been a very difficult time for you, if you feel up to it, it might be good to give us a call here at StrokeLine and we can talk to you in more detail about your feelings. You can call us on Ph. 1800 787 653 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. We would be more than happy to talk with you over the phone.

Kind regards

Siobhan (StrokeLine)

Hi Amz83, Don't despair, most survivors have experienced exactly what you're feeling.  I SO understand how difficult it is when friends/family expect you to be the 'same' person as before, because they can't see the difference. I cannot recommend strongly enough for you to talk to other survivors-- in person if possible.  Ask about a support group close to you.  I think it also helps if you don't pin your expectations on returning to where you were before--you will *never* be the same person after a stroke, but that's not bad--it's just different.    

Hi Amz83 and Debstirau,

A local stroke support group is a great idea Debstirau - thanks for your suggestion.

Here is a link to find a support group near you.

D

Thank you.

I have just sent an email to the closest support group to me.