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Coping With Depression
Feeling down sometimes is natural after a stroke but if you are feeling low most of the time you could be depressed. Some people feel there’s a stigma attached to being depressed or are afraid of what other people will think of them. Some people do not realise they are depressed especially when they have been feeling the same for a long time.
How Can Depression Affect Your Recovery From Stroke?
Your physical recovery from 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.
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 such as 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.
Symptoms Of Depression
Most experts agree if you experience 4 or more of the symptoms below for most of the day, most days, for over 2 weeks you should seek help. Speak to your doctor in the first instance.
- tiredness and loss of energy
- loss of confidence and self-esteem
- sleeping problems—disrupted sleep pattern
- persistent sadness—tearful/crying
- avoiding other people even close friends
- feeling irritable
- difficulty concentrating
- difficulty making decisions
- not being able to enjoy things that are usually pleasurable or interesting
- feeling pessimistic
- feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- lack of interest in sex
- physical aches and pains/constant headaches
- thinking about suicide and death
- self-harming
Taking Antidepressants
Your doctor may suggest you try antidepressants. There are several types depending on your personal symptoms and medical history. Chemical imbalance in the brain is a possible factor for depression in some people. This can be successfully altered with an antidepressant. Antidepressants are not the same as tranquilisers and they are not addictive. However, use has to be monitored and they shouldn’t be stopped suddenly. If your doctor suggests antidepressants make sure you agree a further appointment to review progress. 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 a new life. Then they are able to cope better and move on when they have adjusted to issues affecting them.
Who Else Can Help?
Sometimes further support may be needed. Many people get support and advice from their doctor, stroke nurse or a therapist who is working with them.
Some kind of talking therapy 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 be referred on to the community mental health team for support.
Ways To Help Yourself Cope With Depression
- most people find they have good and bad days and this is true of having a stroke and of depression
- get outside if you can—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 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
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