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Coping With Depression
Feeling down for some of the time is a natural reaction as you learn to accept, and adapt to, life after your stroke. However, if you are feeling low for most of the time you could be depressed.
Some people feel there is a stigma attached to being depressed or are afraid of what other people will think of them. Sometimes people do not realise they are depressed, especially when they have been feeling the same for a long time.
Depression can be successfully treated, so it is important to recognise if you are depressed and to let someone know how you are feeling.
Your physical recovery from your stroke depends to a large extent on your input. If you are depressed, it will be harder to keep motivated to work on your recovery and rehabilitation. Depression makes you feel lethargic and that there is no point in doing anything or seeing anyone. This can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness that can bring you to a halt.
- Symptoms of depression
- When can depression set in?
- Treatment for depression
- Coping with depression
- Useful contacts
Symptoms of depression
Depression affects your mood and how you feel about life – you may feel as if there is no point in anything.
It can make you feel as if you don't want to get up in the morning or as if you don't want to go out or see family or friends. Often depression creeps up over a period of time.
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sadness or crying spells
- Loss of interest in life
- Mood swings: feeling short–tempered / irritable or easily upset
- Tiredness and loss of energy
- Loss of confidence and self esteem
- Difficulty concentrating
- Not being able to enjoy things that are usually pleasurable or interesting
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Changes in appetite / weight gain or loss
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- Sleeping problems – difficulties in getting off to sleep or waking up much earlier than usual
- Lack of energy / motivation
- Being less aware of others and more inward looking
- Physical aches and pains
- Loss of sex drive or sexual problems
- Avoiding other people, sometimes even your close friends
- Thinking about suicide and death
Most experts agree that if you have experienced 4 or more of these symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for over 2 weeks then you should seek help.
Speak to your doctor in the first instance. It may be hard, at first, to talk about how you are feeling but remember doctors are used to talking about emotions and are skilled at recognising and treating depression.
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When can depression set in?
There is no definite time that you may suffer from depression; it can develop soon after having a stroke or months afterwards.
Depression is very common and doctors are very familiar with it and how to treat it. Some symptoms may be present as a result of your stroke, e.g. tiredness, difficulty concentrating, loss of self esteem etc. Other symptoms may be as a result of the emotional difficulty involved in coming to terms with having a stroke but these should not cloud the possibility that you may be depressed and benefit from treatment.
Treatment for depression
Your GP may suggest that you try antidepressant drugs or may arrange for you to have counselling.
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Antidepressant drugs balance the chemicals in the brain responsible for these feelings. There are different types used depending on your symptoms and medical history.
Antidepressants are not the same as tranquilisers and they are not addictive. However, their use has to be monitored and they should not be stopped suddenly. If your doctor suggests antidepressants make sure you arrange a further appointment to see how things are.
Taking antidepressants does not have to be a long–term solution. Many people are helped through a difficult time in their lives because antidepressants allow them a temporary platform to stand on until they can come to terms with their situation. They are then able to cope better and move on when they have adjusted to issues affecting them.
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Sometimes further support may be needed, e.g. from your doctor or nurse. Some kind of talking therapy (e.g. counselling), as well as antidepressants, may be helpful. Most people won't need to see a psychiatrist unless their depression is very severe or they are suicidal.
You may also be referred to the community mental health team for support.
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Coping with depression
Try to accept that you may have good and bad days: recovering from depression takes time. - Getting outside if you can and having some fresh air can help.
- Eat as healthy and varied a diet as you can.
- Try to avoid alcohol; it will bring your mood down and can make sleeping patterns worse.
- Try not to worry if you don't sleep. Read, listen to the radio or watch TV. Your body is still resting by lying down.
- When you are low it can be difficult to make decisions – talk to those people you trust.
- Try not to bottle up your feelings – use the support around you.
- Relaxation, yoga, tai chi and reflexology are examples of additional ways to increase your feeling of well being and reduce stress.
- Remember that depression can be treated and these unpleasant feelings will lift.
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Useful contacts
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