Depression and Stroke
Depression is common after a stroke and after taking on the caregiving role. Here are some ideas about what it is and what you can do about it! Depression, though common, needs to be treated. Depression will not just go away. It will limit the energy you need as a caregiver to care for your loved one. For your loved one with a stroke, depression will interfere with their recovery. Treatment for depression may improve a person's medical condition, quality of life, and reduce pain and disability. Treatment for depression can often shorten the rehabilitation process, leading to more rapid recovery and return to a routine.
Common Signs of Depression
-
Continuing sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
-Feelings of hopelessness and/or negativeness
-Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
-Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including
sex
-Decreased energy, tiredness, or being "slowed down"
-Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
-Not sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
-Appetite and/or weight changes
-Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
-Restlessness and/or irritability
-Sudden change in how easily you are annoyed
-Bouts of crying often
If some of these symptoms are:
1. present in your loved one with stroke for at least two weeks AND
2. get in the way of routine daily activities such as work, self-care, childcare
or social life
Treating depression can improve your life and relationship. Remember, depression is
not inevitable; that is, it does not have to continue after a stroke. There is something
that you can do about it. Depression is a separate disease of the brain and can be
treated. 
Treatment frequently involves medications and "talk" therapy. Treatment takes time,
but is well worth the wait ~ depression can be successfully treated!
Caregivers are especially prone to depression, due to taking on a new role in caring
for their loved one with stroke. Besides the huge physical and mental impact of caregiving,
there may be isolation, change in relationships, physical intimacy changes, and maybe
changes in both of your personalities. The challenges of caregiving are many and depression
can get in the way of meeting them in a positive way!
Tips to Deal with Depression and Stroke
For both of You:
1. Get treatment! Be good to yourself, call your healthcare provider - doctor, nurse
practitioner, or physician assistant - and ask to be evaluated for depression.
2. Take any prescribed drugs faithfully. It may take 4-6 weeks to see any results,
so start on these drugs as soon as possible. Patience is key here.
3. Know that you are not "weak" because you are depressed, but that you are human
and have a brain disease that is treatable. You are strong for recognizing your need
for help!
4. Go to therapy appointments and try to do any homework assigned. This will help
you get better quicker!
5. Use positive self-talk. For example, "I may be depressed, but I am a good person;
I am strong." You get the idea.
For Caregivers:
1. Know that to help care for your loved one, you must be as healthy as possible,
in mind and body.
2. Have a positive attitude. Attitude makes a big difference! Believe that getting
help for and treating depression is important for you. Take the time to do it!
3. Take time for yourself and try not to feel guilty about it. Get out of the house
at least once a week for a break, even if it is shopping for groceries.
4. Take time to refresh and recharge your own batteries, before you can give some
more.
-Five minutes in the bathroom alone, or a cup of tea/coffee/soda alone in a quiet
room with some music can do wonders.
-Light those candles and enjoy the moment(s)!
-Get up before your loved one or staying up after he/she is asleep may steal you
these precious moments.
-Put time on your planner or calendar and commit to keep your appointment with yourself.
You are worth it.
Your loved ones with stroke:
1. Give them the courage and strength to get treated; make the call and take them
to the appointment(s) that will get them there.
2. Assure them they are not "crazy." Depression is a brain disease.
3. Fight the myth that "of course I'm depressed, I've had a stroke!" Get the person
treatment.
4. Give them some quiet time. They need a break from you, too.
5. Allow them a day to slack off on all those therapies and other difficult things
that they to do. Just allow them and yourself to relax. It is okay.
6. Give encouragement. While your encouragement can not cure depression, it will
motivate them to keep going.
7. Take a deep breath, recognize that they are depressed and it is not your fault.
Rejoice that once again, the two of you can face anything.
8. Make the most of rehab; the more you recover the better you will feel!
9. Maintain your quality of life by staying active and doing things you enjoy
10. Spend time with family or friends
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Additional Information: The Internet Stroke Center: Recognizing Depression |
References:
Braddom, R. (2000). Physical medicine and rehabilitation (2nd ed.). New York: W. B. Saunders.
Depression and stroke.(2011). Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-and-stroke/index.shtml
Derstine, J., & Hargrove, S. (2001). Comprehensive rehabilitation nursing. New York: W. B. Saunders.
National Stroke Association, (2009). Stroke Facts: Recovery After Stroke: Coping with Emotions. Retrieved from
www.stroke.org
Post stroke depression affects caregivers too. July August, 2009). Retrieved from http://www.rorc.research.va.gov/rescue/docs/newsletters/2009-JulyAug-RESCUE-Newsletter.pdf
Developed in 2002 by Amy Govoni, MSN, RN, CS at The University of Toledo for the Caring~Web. Revised: 2010, 2012.