Strokes and Emotions Following a Stroke

Emotions and behaviour can change following a stroke. Approximately one third of all stroke survivors experience some emotional problems.

Emotional problems can result in depression, anger, frustration, feelings of loss and denial. There may be communication disorders which will include aphasia - to do with verbal abilities and auditory comprehension where they are unable to speak or read, write or comprehend numbers. Or there may be motor speech disorders with slurred or garbled speech. All of these difficulties will affect the emotions creating sadness and possibly depression.

Extreme emotions will interfere with the rehabilitation process. Emotions are hard to control, partly because of chemical changes within the brain caused by the stroke. It is also a reaction to the challenges of dealing with the effects of a stroke. There can be rapid mood changes also causing crying or laughing that may not be appropriate, feelings of hopelessness, changes in eating and sleeping, anger, anxiety and apathy.

Anxiety causes sleep disturbances and can cause difficulty with concentration. The stroke sufferer may avoid going out in public or even seeing friends. Irritability, another problem, can also cause problems with concentration and the sufferer may tire more quickly.

Apathy is a dangerous emotion for a stroke survivor. Its symptoms can be lack of enthusiasm, motivation, listlessness and they may exhibit no interest in anything. For the stroke sufferer, if they have apathy they will likely not wish to work diligently at their rehabilitation. This is detrimental to their long-term health and their chances of having fewer disabilities.

It is important for a stroke-impaired person to find ways to relax, i.e.: soak in a warm bath, listen to calm music, meditate or go for a walk. Writing down worries or talking to a friend or family member may also help. However, if it continues for quite a while and all else has failed, it may be necessary for them to see their family doctor. Medications may also be necessary.

Stroke recovery groups are also good for the stroke survivor because often talking about the effects of their stroke with others who are going through the same thing can help. Acknowledging their feelings will likely help them deal with their emotions also. It is also important for a stroke sufferer to be informed. The more they know, the more able they can help themselves.

Emotions following a stroke are often closer to the surface and may possibly intensify reactions to situations that may not have bothered them prior to their stroke. As upsetting as it is for the stroke survivor when their emotions are chaotic, it is good to know that in almost all cases, these intense feelings will go and eventually they will feel more like themselves.

Problems with emotions following a stroke can result in personality changes. But as the stroke-impaired person begins to feel more like themselves, these changes often will cease to exist.