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Depression is a common consequence of stroke. Since sudden shock, disability and changes in lifestyle it is usually expected as well ( after a stroke) , many times it is taken as “expected behavior” and ignored. However, it is important to differentiate between a sad feeling that lasts for some time and depression that may require clinical intervention.
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
- Restlessness and irritability, anxiety, agitation
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness or helplessness, Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, including sex, general fatigue
- Decreased energy and fatigue, and feeling “slowed down”
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions
- Insomnia, sleep disturbances, early-morning awakening or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.
- Hallucinations
One is more likely to have depression if one :
- had a previous mental illness,
- had a previous condition that affected how one thinks , such as a traumatic brain injury
- Lives alone.
Every case of post-stroke depression can have different symptoms. Most symptoms appear between three to six months after a stroke. And if at least five of above persist for two weeks or more a diagnosis of depression is indicated.
Even a caregiver of a stroke affected may as well experience similar symptoms, particularly if the caregiver and the affected have a close and emotional bond prior to stroke.
Proper diagnosis and treatment of depression requires a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Treating depression not only improves the survivor’s mood, it boosts physical, cognitive and intellectual recovery. Social support is also crucial. Depression may make the rehabilitation process more challenging for survivors to do the hard work required. Which is why its treatment is very important.
Treatment can broadly include :
- Medication: Such as antidepressants that may be prescribed by the treating doctor. Drugs prescribed may include Prozac, Pamelor, Paxii etc and must be taken only as prescribed by the doctor and under careful monitoring. Interactions of these medications with those already being taken must also be considered.
- Psychological Treatments: Which may include Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) which aims at changing thought patterns towards a more positive, problem-solving direction, Behavior Therapy – which aims on getting the stroke affected more involved in activities of daily living in a satisfying manner, interpersonal therapy which focuses on improving relationships and coping with sadness and grief, and mindfulness based therapies such as meditation.
A stroke affected person should be encouraged as much as possible to make lifestyle changes that go a long way towards a more positive outlook and reducing depression. These include :
- Becoming more social and attending a support group : Becoming part of an active support group and interacting with people facing similar challenges is one of the best ways of feeling motivated and less alone. These groups offer helpful inputs as well. Click https://strokesupport.in/add/ to join any of ours.
- Diet : Focusing more on fruits, vegetables, lean meat and avoiding spices and oily food helps.
- Exercise: A regimen of regular exercise each day , however small to begin with each day can go a long way in fighting depression.
- Being independent : Making efforts o=towards becoming as much independent as possible , and perhaps even volunteering to help others, may help some very much.
Following is a helpful video on this aspect of stroke :
If you have limited/No information about Stroke, its symptoms and consequences, we STRONGLY suggest you read at least one of the following before you leave this Website, as well as share the links with your friends and family. You may save someone from sudden death or being crippled for life !
* Be fast – Stroke Symptoms in English with Videos of Actual Strokes
* स्ट्रोक (आघात) – हिंदी में कुछ जानकारी
* स्ट्रोक-के-साधारण-लक्षण
* In Bengali – Be Fast – দ্রুত !
* In Gujarati – જ્યારે સ્ટ્રોક આવે ત્યારે BE FAST
* In Marathi – BE FAST स्ट्रोक होतो तेव्हा !
* In Odiya – ଷ୍ଟ୍ରୋକ: ମୃତ୍ୟୁ ଅଥବା ଶାରୀରିକ/ମାନସିକ ଅସମର୍ଥ
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