Expressing emotions

Hi Goldsdaughter, 

I found post particularly intriguing only because I am in the opposite situation. I was never a person into having a big cry, instead, keep my feelings at the back of an old box somewhere deep in my brain/emotional cortex. But, since my stroke, I find sad films or sensitive documentaries a little hard to deal with. I just watched a SBS on Insight about 'A Hidden Injury', and another documentary on Nextflix  'My Beautiful Broken Brain' who talk about finding empathy, something that they didn't think about it before their stroke. 

It the last 1 year I have kept a diary, writing in the morning for 15 to 30 minutes, thinking about life and my future, hopes, fails, successes, mental health, physical health etc. Again, this is something that I would have never done if I hadn't had a heart attack and a stroke, nevertheless, it has helped my put my thoughts and feeling into words. 

That has allowed me to connect to my feeling in a way I couldn't do before. 

All the best and try using a diarly. You maybe susprised!

..... diary

Hi Goldysdaughter,

This may help a bit, Neville is also unable to shed a tear since his stroke. He talks about this in a video we produced. (2 minute mark of vid). 

Neville is in this community. You can reach out to him here 

Diana 

Thanks Marcus n Diana for your help. I guess just another horrible part of a stroke we have to try to accept n forget. thanks

goldysdaughter.    When needing to have a good cry I can release tears when having my morning shower. The water I find healing. This may help you.    Jenny

Thanks Jenny, they just do not appear.

Hi Goldysdaughter, 

I'm so sorry to hear about your best friend's partner. Having to perform resuscitation must have been so traumatic on its own, then to speak at the memorial and not be able to show your emotions and feel judged, even more challenging. While what you're experiencing is the opposite to what some of the others like Marcus and Jenny have experienced (emotional lability) it is frustrating nonetheless.

Particularly if family members of friend might see you as not showing emotion or empathy and you feel judged. It might help to educate your family and friends that not being able to show emotion in the same way as before is also part of your stroke. Emotional regulation in general can be affected after stroke and I certainly hear from many stroke survivors and their carers who also report this. It can take some time to adjust to this. If you're seeing a psychologist it would be good to discuss further with them.

You may have already read our resources on emotions after stroke but if not it might help. What you describe is called apathy. Marcus has suggested a great idea to try journaling or keeping a diary as an alternative way to express yourself and process your emotions. 

We are available to chat if you ever need further support on StrokeLine on 1800 787 653.

Best wishes,

Simone (StrokeLine)