I need help with my emotions after my husband's health issues. I suffered two strokes 20 years ago.

Hi Jan,

I'm so sorry to hear about what you're going through with your husband's health and how he is speaking to you. It sounds like a really challenging time for you. Do you have any access to emotional support as well as services for home through his cancer services?

Emotional changes and lability can be common after stroke and for some this continues even years down the track. Certainly increased stress, fatigue and overwhelm can exacerbate symptoms. Do you seek the support of a psychologist for this and also for your relationship? If not, you can access a mental health care plan via your GP for Medicare subsidised sessions. If your GP doesn't have an appropriate psychologist to recommend you can find a local psychologist here by selecting 'trauma/harm' then 'acquired brain injury': http://www.psychology.org.au/FindaPsychologist

You might like to read more about emotional changes after stroke here. In some cases medication can help when other strategies have been exhausted. There is a conversation in our forum that you might also find helpful on how to manage emotions after stroke. Read more here. 

The Carer Gateway also provides support and advice for those in caring roles like yourself. You can find out more here: https://www.carergateway.gov.au/ or by phoning 1800 422 737.

Ensuring you are looking after yourself and taking much needed time out for you is important. Stepping into the carer role is not always an easy transition, both emotionally and physically. If you would like to discuss your situation in more detail please don't hesitate to call us on StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEST).

Best wishes,

Simone (Occupational therapist for StrokeLine)