Strokes & Depression

Depression following a stroke is a common experience. Depression often occurs in the individual who had the stroke and the caregiver. Research shows that depression has a negative impact on recovery from a stroke. Conventional wisdom says “it’s not uncommon to feel bad after a stroke…look at all the individual lost in personal functioning”. This is true, but just because it’s common doesn’t mean it should be ignored or treated lightly. Untreated depression can have devastating consequences. Most people who are depressed following a stroke, both patient and caregiver, are not properly diagnosed and do not get the help they need to feel better.

Following a stroke, it’s very common to feel sad. People have emotional reactions to all life changing events. Emotional reactions combine with chemical reactions in the brain associated with strokes. But, depression is more than feeling sad. Individuals who are depressed have symptoms that persist over time; they feel helpless, hopeless; frequently very tired all the time; have no appetite; and may have lost interest in things that they usually enjoy; in some cases they may talk of suicide. These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. Although most people who are depressed won’t attempt suicide, all will have a more difficult time recovering from a stroke. Recovery from a stroke requires full participation in the rehabilitation process. Depression limits participation. Caregivers who are depressed have less energy available to assist the person with the stroke in the rehab process.

There are many treatment options available for persons with depression ranging from medication to counseling to physical exercise. The important factor to remember is that stroke-related depression is very common. It needs to be accurately diagnosed and treated if the person with the stroke is to have optimal recovery. Whether it’s the caregiver or the care recipient who is depressed, treatment is needed. Discuss the symptoms with your care provider and select the treatment option that works best in your situation.