Has any stroke survivor tried an alternative treatment for anxiety and chronic depression?

Oh Linda it sounds like you are doing all of the right things. Be kind to yourself and practice lots of self-compassion and self-forgiveness on those average days. I find the saying/mantra "this too shall pass" is very helpful during challenging times. Not beating yourself up for having a slow day is key. I recall a great conversation on here about acceptance I will find the link in case you haven't seen it. I imagine it must be such a balance for you. If you ever need to talk to someone, particularly on the down days we are available on StrokeLine Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and there is also Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 and LifeLine (24 hours) 131 114.

The other thing I'm yet to try but I believe are extremely therapeutic are the mindfulness colouring in books. Keep doing the things that bring you joy and on the days not much brings you joy keep breathing and hang in there. Journaling first thing in the morning to get all of your htoughts out on paper can be helfpul, have you tried this? Please do call us if you wish to chat as I may be able to offer other suggestions or a more personalised response.

Thinking of you,

Simone 

Hi Linda, 

It isn't directly related but here is a great conversation covering acceptance which I think is key in the often bumpy journey of recovery.

Please do call if you need a chat. 

Simone

The sudden changes of mood are not unusual for stroke victims. I have not had the serious problems you are facing but I can understand how one can go to bed full of targets and optimism and wake up with a 'It Won't Work' syndrome. My solution is music, but I am a musician and to pick up a guitar and just mess around with it gives me a change of mood. I've got to admit that it doesn't always work, sometime the guitar makes the mood deeper but at  least I am holding something I can retaliate with.

I'm not sure my reply has made sense! I know what I mean but may not have expressed it well.

Regards

Deigh

Hi Deigh. Yes I do understand your comment. Thank you for taking the time. I was thinking of taking up the piano again. But then that is another expense or try learning a language. The thing is I get tired of living a life to try to improve n not living a life for me. Lucky to have managed to put a ppositive in my day the last few days so hoping if continue to do that things will improve. Thanks to all comments

Mindfulness and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) can help - best to discuss with a psychologist or neuropsychologist. May be helpful where CBT fails.

Cheers, I am actually starting a DBT course early New Year. Hoping this is very usefull, sounds interesting. I was hoping someone had actually tried light or cold therapy.

Hi Linda , I have just read your thread of seeking alternatives for your current treatment for all the exhausting emotional affects of your stroke. I am a survivor of a major stroke to which I always acknowledge the emotional recovery was a journey of all you are describing. And all the responses, in there own way are worth exploring. For me mindfulness and visualization with a solid one physchologist were the most helpful. I did need medication occasionally and the words which always followed me around which I saw somebody post to you , be kind to yourself. Also writing , writing helped heaps , my words no interruptions. 

It's hard isn't it , its hard work. I wish you all the very best and stay safe.

Sue

Thanks for your support Sue and yes it is hard. This part of my recovery is so relentless and exhausting. 2016 might have all the answers. We can only hope.Linda

I tried to look into hypnothreapy but it was very expensive. Did you find a reasonable hyhypnnothreapist?

Hi Diane and others who may be interested,

There are many psychologists who are also qualified hypnotherapists. By doing a google search with ‘psychologist, hypnotherapy and your area’ you should be able to find a psychologist who can include hypnotherapy within your sessions. This way you could access Medicare rebated sessions on a mental health treatment plan.

I hope this helps,

Lisa - Social Work student for StrokeLine 1800 787 653

Whoops, pressed Post..!

...haven't been able to bend my stroke knee until recently to kneel and weed, and it's still not good. I find I'm actually missing being able to weed, strange as that may seem to some. 

Walking outdoors is good however I havent until recently been able to walk far. I still get out, though, and do what I can as movement, sunlight and fresh air are all incredibly beneficial. Vitamin D is important, do you take that or had your levels tested?

All the best.

This iPad I'm on is auto correcting and I cannot go back and edit (a good feature to have, Admins!). Up above I meant light therapy, not light ready.

I hope you can find something that works for you, Linda.

Great suggestions Maree. Vitamin D, getting outdoors and doing things we love is so important. I will pass on your comment about editing functionality to our team. We are always working to improve the site so thank you for your feedback.

Simone - StrokeLine 

Thanks for all your comments. I have been in and out of hospital and trying to deal with family concerns, I have not been on here for a long time. I was potting around with pot plants n weeding, however the chronic fatigue is consuming me. Oh hoping for some answers as after so many tests, they have found out I have imbalance issues in my inner ear area n have been booked into a balance physio. Only taken 4 4 years of hell so my fingers r closed that this special physio will be able to assist with my left n right crossed central balance n left preiferhal goes walk abouts.

Hoping this will improve sleeping all day n most of the night. Thanks everyone

Hey goldysdaughter,

The next podcast we will be releasing is going to be on fatigue, it will be out early next week, I will post a link here.

There is also going to be a group chat opportunity - stay tuned for more - it will all be explained in the next newsletter.

Diana 

Hi goldsydaughter,

It is good that you've got a diagnosis for your balance issues and are now getting the right treatment. Keep us posted as to how the physio goes. It would be wonderful if that helps your fatigue too. The podcast Diana mentions and the live chat would be a great resource for you. Don't hesitate to call us on StrokeLine for support or more information. 

Best wishes,

Simone (Occupational Therapist for StrokeLine)