Stroke and Depression: Learn the Signs and How to Work through Them

Depression is a side dish to a heaping helping of stroke on the menu of life.  They go together like turkey and stuffing. No one ordered this condition and it is extremely bitter to swallow. Let's pick at it to understand why depression is on our plate, too.

Common sense dictates that a sudden stroke will turn our life upside down. As stroke survivors, we deal with the loss or semi-loss of function of half our body. Many stroke survivors deal with the loss of speech or the ability to understand the written or spoken word. Stroke may have caused a person to lose their job or only continue on a part-time basis. Many others experience visual difficulties.

Some stroke outcomes may mimic depression. Some stroke survivors may be unable to inject emotion into their voice. Others may not be able to show emotion through facial expressions and others may have a condition called "emotional lability" which may lead to crying or laughing at inappropriate times. These conditions are not symptoms of depression, but are caused from the stroke itself.

Family life changes too. Financial aspects are affected. Social dynamics may be altered. Your spouse or family may be called upon to take more responsibility. Initially, we may grieve over the loss we have experienced. Grief is a normal emotion.

Although, we as stroke survivors, may learn to adapt to some life changes caused by stroke it will take time to heal and to adjust. We live in a fast pace world and many people don't understand that it takes time for the brain to form new connections through continuous work. Stroke recovery is a full time job. This fact may lead to frustration and depression.

According to the Mayo Clinic ( www.mayoclinic.com)  "Depression is a medical illness that involves the mind and body. Depression affects our behavior and may cause physical problems as well."

There may be other causes of depression, too. Depression may be linked to biochemical effects or physical changes in the brain. Brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, linked to mood, may play a role in depression or hormonal imbalances could also cause depression.

Depression may be caused by environmental reasons. Stroke, financial problems, and stress are examples of a few situations in life that are difficult to manage without assistance.  

Overwhelming grief may turn into major depression. Here are some of the signs of depression:

1. Isolating yourself from family or friends
2. Sleeping too much or too little
3. A feeling of sadness so severe that you feel life isn't worth living
4. Loss of interest in daily activities
5. Feeling hopeless or extremely sad
6. Feeling worthless
7. Thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
8. Lack of cooperation in rehabilitation

People experience depression in different ways. For some people, depression symptoms are so severe that it's obvious something isn't right. For others, depression may creep in gradually post-stroke.