I sometimes feel it would have been better if i had died rather than survived my stroke

marcus
marcuson Tuesday, October 10 2017
3 Comments

My life has been hell since my stroke over a year ago I have recovered quite well but I have lost my job due to the company I worked for loosing the contract and if it hadn't been for the union I would not have got my job back with my old employer after my stroke. Government payments are not enough to cover my rent and I  are now facing possible homelessness I don't tell possible employers I had a stroke because I know they will not hire me . I am a 56 year old male and and have no family support I really don't know what to do I am on anti depressants but feel it would have been better if I had passed away rather than survived a stroke. I am wondering has anyone else experienced discrimination due to their stroke as I even feel that even the medical profession treats me as a number and not a personal.

3 Responses

Hi Marcus

My name is Jude, and I work here at the Stroke Foundation on our StrokeLine service. I am so sorry that you have had such a difficult time since your stroke. I know from speaking to stroke survivors that you are not alone in experiencing discrimination. We hear stories about employers being unsupportive of someone returning to work after a stroke, and about difficulties getting back into the workforce. 

 

It was good to read your union had been able to help you out, but again so sorry to hear about the company you worked for losing the contract and you being out of work as a result. I’m not sure if you’ve spoken to a housing service yet but if you need a referral to one, let us know. You might also want to talk to us at some point about finding a doctor or treating team who are more supportive – so please do call or email if you think we can help.

 

Our number is 1800 787 653. Our email is strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au

You can contact us at StrokeLine at any point to talk it through. We’re here during business hours, but Lifeline is available 24/7 if you need to talk to someone. Call 13 11 14.

 

With kind regards, Jude, StrokeLine

Hi Marcus,

 

I am so very sorry that life is so difficult for you. Your stroke , your work situation, your family situation, and how this is all affecting you health.

I really urge you to give Stroke Line a call and talk to them. Cry to them if that is what you need to do. It is horrible that you feel such desperation after fighting through such an experience as having a stroke

Have you had a look around EnableMe to see anything here helps ease your pain even if it is just briefly ?

 

To give you some sort of indication of how I do get what you are saying.

I have once upon a time thought the same thing. Such conflicting emotions for me , I felt so lucky to have survived what was such a life threatening event - yet the day to day living once home and alone was just so hard and confusing. It was hard to know where I would ever belong feeling so awful all the time. 

Stoke Line number is 1800 787 653

 

Stay safe

Sue

 

Thanks everyone for your support 

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