Mental health
Mental health challenges are common after a stroke.
1 in 4 survivors will have anxiety and 1 in 3 survivors will get depression. It is even more likely if you have aphasia.
It doesn’t matter how long ago your stroke was. Mental health challenges can creep in at any time and hang around. It can slow down your recovery.
If your loved one has had a stroke, your mental health can be affected too.
It is important to look out for changes in your mental wellbeing so you can get support early.
You might feel sad, hopeless, worried, lonely, angry or scared. You might feel grief and loss, or just not feel like yourself anymore.
Learn more about when this becomes depression and anxiety.
Get support
If you feel this way, talk to someone. Tell them how you are feeling.
You could talk to a close family member or friend.
Telling someone how you feel can be scary, especially if you don’t usually talk about this kind of thing. But talking helps. It can make you feel better. It can help you to decide what to do next.
If you notice changes in someone else’s mental wellbeing, tell them you have noticed and start the conversation.
If you have trouble communicating, find someone who can come with you to help. You can try using pictures too.
It’s also important to talk to your GP.
Your GP can give you a mental health treatment plan. This reduces the cost of seeing some mental health professionals through Medicare rebates.
Your GP can recommend psychologists in your area. You can also ask:
- your friends
- family members
- fellow survivors
- other health professionals, like a speech therapist.
Finding a good psychologist can be hard. You may have to try a few to find someone who is available and right for you. Don’t give up.
Your GP can also tell you about medicine options.
Fatigue can impact your mental health. Learning ways to manage fatigue can help.
Many people find it helps talking to others who have had a stroke. Peer support groups can be online or in person. Search for groups on EnableMe
People also say they find it helps to:
- Spend time in nature or on Country.
- Find an activity you enjoy doing. This might be something new to you.
- Do exercise that makes you feel good. If you find that hard, a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can help.
- Connect with friends and family.
Need support now?
StrokeLine (1800 787 653)
StrokeLine can help you find the right support and services you need. Monday to Friday 9am–5pm Australian eastern time. You can also email them at strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au
Lifeline (13 11 14)
Lifeline crisis support service is available 24/7 for anyone feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. You can also text them on 0477 13 11 14, or use their online crisis chat.
Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636)
Beyond Blue Support Service is available 24/7 for brief counselling. They also have an online webchat service.
13YARN (13 92 76)
Talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. Available 24/7. Free to call from any phone in Australia.
QLife (1800 184 527)
Qlife phone and webchat offers peer mental health and wellbeing support for the LGBTQIA+ community. 3pm to midnight (AEST), every day.
Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467)
Crisis support to anyone in Australia. Available 24/7. Free online phone, web or video chat.
If you, or somebody you know, is in immediate danger, call 000.