Hello SuzSuzSuzi
Thank you for reaching out on EnableMe, it is so important that you talk to others about how you are feeling, especially after all that you have been through. This has taken strength to reach out and tell your story and I am sure there will be others who will support you and share your experiences here within the EnableMe community.
It sounds like it has been a really challenging time for you, especially with young children and a breakdown of your relationship. All of those can be life stressors, let alone after your strokes and ICU stay.
After a stroke you can experience emotional difficulties, including depression and anxiety. These are common at any stage after a stroke but it is important to they can be treated. Depression is more than just sadness or a low mood, it is a serious illness that can have severe effects on both physical and mental health. You are not alone and there is help available.
Have you spoken with your Gp/local Dr about how you are feeling? This is a good first step and can be the first on your road to managing your emotions and mood. Your Gp can talk with you about medications or referral to a psychologist or counsellor who can work with you to manage how you are feeling. We know that with help, depression after a stroke can be better managed, but it is important to reach out and take that first step.
Treatment for depression or mood changes after stroke can vary from person to person. It may include lifestyle changes like increasing your exercise and changing your diet, or seeking support from a psychologist. Medication may also be prescribed. Enlisting the help of family and friends, external service providers, and making time to rest and relax is also important in your recovery.
There are certainly stroke support groups out there where you can talk with others about your experience and know they have a shared understanding of what you have been through, but they do not provide specific mental health support. Depending on how you are feeling, there is also the Genyus network which is a trauma survivors network that was developed by a young stroke survivor after his experience. This might be a good group to look into for sharing your story regarding what you have been through. You are also very welcome to reach out and give us a call here at StrokeLine, we can talk with you about the next steps and where to find the support you need.
There is hope and you have certainly made that first step by reaching out here on EnableMe, again that has taken strength and we are pleased you have been able to reach out. It can be really tough when everyone around you doesn’t see the changes that the stroke has caused in you, this can be very isolating and difficult to manage. Do give us a call here at StrokeLine on Ph 1800 787 653, or email us on strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au . We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST and can certainly help you find someone to talk with about everything you are going through.
Warm regards Siobhan (StrokeLine)
