What can I do about personality changes after stroke? Also what contraception can I use after a stroke?

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us on enableme. We are sorry to hear about your stroke and the difficulties you’re currently facing. 

Many stroke survivors experience emotional changes after stroke, and there are ways to manage. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to take a look at our fact sheet about emotional and personality changes after stroke. We also have a resource page about personality changes, as well as a helpful podcast about emotional changes. We also have a podcast about stroke in your 20s and 30s that you might like to listen to.

Another option for managing your personality and mood changes is to see a psychologist. You can speak with your GP about getting a mental health treatment plan, which allows you up to ten Medicare subsidized sessions with a psychologist. Many stroke survivors find it beneficial to see a psychologist, as they can help you with strategies to manage these personality changes and mood, using a range of strategies. There are other support services available you might also find beneficial such as brain injury services and stroke support groups.

In terms of contraception, we strongly recommend speaking with your neurologist and your GP to discuss best form of contraception for you following your stroke. Your doctors can review your medical history and factors that may affect your stroke risk and weigh up the benefit versus risk.

 Our Stroke Clinical Guidelines state:

“For women of child-bearing age who have had a stroke, non-hormonal methods of contraception should be considered. If systemic hormonal contraception is required, a non-oestrogen containing medication is preferred.” (Roach et al 2015 [185]; Plu-Bureau 2013 [186]; Peragallo et al 2013 [187])

 “For women of child bearing age with a history of stroke or TIA, the decision to initiate or continue oral contraception should be discussed with the patient and based on an overall assessment of individual risk and benefit.”

 You can read more from our guidelines in Chapter Four Secondary Prevention under ‘Oral Contraception.’

 You are very welcome to ring us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 if you would like to speak with a health professional.

Best wishes,

Meredith and Simone (StrokeLine)

Hi there,

Here are some great responses from the Facebook community too: 

Meliame - It's not an easy road and there are big changes, some beyond our control. It's going on three years since my stroke and I am still recovering. I've learnt to be grateful for the second chance at life. I use to go through stages of feeling sorry for myself but I have taken the perspective that there are those who are worse off than me and I try to remain positive. Plus I didn't want people around me to hate being around me because that wasn't the person I was. Good luck and try and take each day as it comes and seek more professional help if you feel like it will help

Nicole - I'm 3 and a half years post, I'm finding the same thing.. I'm finding it's easier to be alone than feeling uncomfortable when I'm out.. I wish I never stopped going out, just to feel comfortable around people.. one on one or a couple of people I'm fine but party's or going out in a big group is hard.. fatigue and cognitive functions are my biggest challenges.. I still don't work due to these.. concentration is kaput too.. I love photography but can only do this with a friend driving, and not very long before it affects me for a few days.. but I won't let that stop me either! We all need some interest to help with depression and anxiety, otherwise id live life at home and that's when four walls feel like a prison... I can totally relate to not liking the person you are now, I've only just begun to accept the new me.. New boundaries and managing my time better to deal with the fatigue! I wish you nothing but the best! Feel free to inbox me if you need some support!

Jasmine - I was 25 to, an hated myself but u shift ya thinking an find the love for yourself again. Its bloody hard but can be done and u CAN do it and u CAN DO ANYTHING U WANT BUT JUST DIFFERENTLY. no one is disabled just ability impaired make life work for u, !

Lesley - If anything just take life day by day don’t live in past it’s to hurtful !!
Absolutely go and have acupuncture and massage aromatherapy for your mood do not go down antidepressants made me much worse those drugs lead to worsening moods it’s been proven that people with brain injuries should keep away from those drugs !!!
Walk as much as you can and maybe start some breathing exercises like tia chi that’s been a wonderful help for myself
Just know every day is a blessing and your getting better every day

Katie - Gratefulness and mindfulness are the only things that work for me I had my stroke at 33, and I was very independent, outgoing and active, it’s my ten years this year and I thought it would only take me to my 5 year to feel like I do now, keep going, I’ve started feeling the best since my stroke even overcoming, Social anxiety depression and my deficits, I wish you all the best

Barbara - Perhaps consider seeing a neuropsych and undertake some ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)... its a tough one. Perhaps some medication could help but I can’t advise there. Do you experience anxiety? That could feed into it and ACT can there too, as well as exercise if you can physically manage it.

Amanda - Love yourself more...celebrate all u have achieved to be a stroke survivor.. i dance... it’s how i express being me in completeness..but other family members learn singing, acting and performing... The Arts are so therapeutic and everyone who share the love of them are very supportive. It’s important not to dwell on your painful past circumstances but to celebrate all u have and can achieve now... find that special joy in your life that motivates you to move forward and enjoy a full life once more....best of luck.

Leigh - Yes i had my stroke of a year and a half ago and I've been going through many changes and am not sure how one is supposed to behave, live and even reveal and react. How much of ourselves do we cover up! I'm at the stage where I don't like too many people around me, even family, I have become quite solitary. I also found that who I thought were friends aren't really as I don't think they know how to react with me...strokes aren't catching !!! I may forget a word here and there but I'm still okay

Karen - Hi ?. I completely hear you and understand. I am an extroverted person who draws my energy from socialising with other people. Managing fatigue and sensory impacts from my stroke mean I spend a lot of time alone in silence. It's isolating and lonely. The things that have helped me are interacting with other stoke survivors online and doing hand crafts. I administer two FB stroke groups. Return to work after stroke and Craft after stroke. They're both really supportive groups which might be of interest. The other thing I'd say is that the head-space 'can't stand anyone and I hate it' isn't helpful to you. I totally understand. Here's an article that helped me understand my grieving and ultimately find some peace. Much love xoxo http://www.tbiguide.com/emotionalstages.html