Have you recently encountered a stroke and are now feeling shifts in mood, leading you to feel more sad than normal? 1/3 of individuals who experience a stroke will undergo shifts in their mood, often causing depression. The mental distress caused by having a stroke as well as the physical symptoms of the stroke are the main factors in causing post-stroke depression. Therefore, if you have experienced a stroke within the last year and are experiencing intense periods of sadness, feelings of helplessness, and trouble feeling like your “old self”, you are NOT alone and you can get help! Therapy as well as some antidepressants have been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of depression after experiencing a stroke. Early intervention is significant in treating post-stroke depression, so if you have recently encountered a stroke you should meet with your primary care physician to monitor your medical symptoms, but also start seeing a therapist to reduce the likelihood of post-stroke depression.
If you or your loved one experienced a stroke and is now struggling with symptoms of depression, there are many resources available to assist in the process of support and problem-solving for you and loved one, including professional counseling. Call (215) 487-1330 or email us at Greenridge@intercommunityaction.org for more information about our counseling services, which include one-on-one therapy with a trained clinician.
Author: Kelsey Dailey, M.A.