How can a stroke affect your emotions?
After a stroke, some people feel like they have lost control of their emotions. These feelings can come from one or both of two causes.
A stroke can affect parts of the brain that control how you feel. You may have emotional reactions that are different from your normal ones. For example, you may have fits of crying or laughing that are out of your control.
Also, a stroke can leave you with upsetting body changes that take away some of your independence. For example, some people may feel:
- Sad or angry about the loss of the lifestyle they had before.
- Isolated by speech and language problems.
- Frustrated by the slow pace of recovery.
- Worried about the future.
These feelings are normal and expected. But if you think you might be depressed, tell your doctor right away. The sooner you know if you are depressed, the sooner you can get treatment.
How can friends and family help with emotional changes after a stroke?
Your loved ones can help you by following these tips:
- A person who has had a stroke may tend to have strong emotional reactions. Remember that these are a result of the stroke. Try not to become too upset by them.
- Don’t avoid a loved one who’s had a stroke. Contact with and support from family members is very important to recovery.
- Watch for signs of depression in people who have had a stroke. Urge them to talk to their doctor if they think they might be depressed.
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