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Coping and support

By Mayo Clinic staff

A stroke is a life-changing event that can affect your emotional well-being as much as your physical function. Feelings of helplessness, frustration, depression and apathy aren't unusual. Diminished sex drive and mood changes also are common.

Maintaining your self-esteem, connections to others and interest in the world are an essential part of your recovery. These strategies may help both you and your caregivers:

  • Don't be hard on yourself. Accept that physical and emotional recovery will involve tough work and take time. Aim for a "new normal," and celebrate all your progress. Allow time for rest.
  • Get out of the house even if it's hard. Try not to be discouraged or self-conscious if you move slowly and need a cane, walker or wheelchair to get around. Getting out is good for you.
  • Join a support group. Meeting with others who are coping with a stroke lets you get out and share experiences, exchange information and forge new friendships.
  • Let friends and family know what you need. People may want to help but not be sure how. Let them know that you would like them to bring over a meal and stay to eat with you and talk, or to help you get out to lunch or attend social events or church activities.
  • Know that you are not alone. Nearly 800,000 Americans have a stroke every year. About 6.5 million are living with stroke today.

Communication challenges
One of the most frustrating effects of stroke is that it can affect speech and language. Here are some tips to help both stroke survivors and caregivers cope with communication challenges:

  • Practice will help. Try to have a conversation at least once a day. It will help you learn what works best for you, help you feel connected and rebuild your confidence.
  • Relax and take your time. Talking may be easiest and most enjoyable in a relaxing situation when you have plenty of time. Some stroke survivors find that after dinner is a good time.
  • Say it your way. When you're recovering from a stroke, you may need to use fewer words, or to rely on gestures or your tone of voice to get an idea across.
  • Use props and communication aids. You may find it helpful to use cue cards showing frequently used words, pictures of close friends and family members, and daily activities such as a favorite television show or the bathroom.
Prevention Treatments and drugs
References
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DS00150 July 1, 2010

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