How to help a "newly" stroke victim depressed and wants to die?
Anthony Simpsonon September 18, 2019
1 ResponsesHi
My brother recently had a stroke from burst vessel, he is fifty (50) this year. He had a operation (10 hours) which was risky but successful and now in a normal hospital ward. He has slurred speech, dizziness and weakness. He also has a pre-existing sight disability with only one eye with glaucoma. So his vision was already poor before the brain injury.
The main problem is he doesn't want to get better, he is refusing to eat, take medicine and basically says he wants to die. Which is quite distressing for family and friends who had hoped after the operation it would only improve.
We understand that it is quite common for stroke patients to be depressed. But the hospital seems to only be equipted to treat his physical injuries (Campbelltown) NSW. So we are struggling to know what can be done to persuade him that living is a better option. My brother is naturally a stubborn individual and near impossible to persuade or change his mind.
We expecting he will weaken and be moved to palliative care or we move to guardian so can have him receive medical treatment. Both uncomfortable options. My parents in their late 70s are having to make these decisions which is rough on them.
I want to know how best to persuade my brother to have a go to get better take medicine, do everything they ask of him and if no improvements then consider the giving up option. But I am sure anything I would say he will ignore. So what advice would you offer.
What mental services are available, are their other stroke victims who go see people in hospital to show you can recover and tell their stories to him, to offer some how can get better.
Any advice would be appreciated.