Real patients talk about the effect on mood and emotions after stroke and how psychology helped them to overcome these issues.
Key messages:
1. Stroke can be a frightening health event. Heightened anxiety levels and reduced sleep are common.
2. Elevated anxiety can lead to a pattern where stroke survivors start to avoid social situations.
3. This avoidance often worsens mood and anxiety, as confidence to cope becomes gradually eroded and people miss out on enjoyable social activities.
4. Psychology gives patients the chance to open up and talk about their feelings and emotions, and to test out reversing avoidance.
5. Psychology also helps patients learn that just like with grief, changes to mood, anxiety and sleep are a normal part of emotional stroke recovery.
