LET'S TALK ANXIETY & DEPRESSION AFTER STROKE

Brain Trauma yes that's what stroke does to your brain. Life is difficult and challenging after stroke both physically and mentally.

Let's talk about something that most people are scared to talk about due to it's stigma in this society. Let's talk about anxiety and depression after stroke. Yes, it's happening and it's scary and overwhelming.

When I had my stroke caused by a blood clot in my brain on October 9, 2018 it almost killed me. But with the grace of God and with the help of my doctors and nurses in the hospital and support of my family and friends, I am alive and here today. It was not easy but with a positive attitude I was able to get out of my wheelchair and walked with my cane 4 weeks after rehab.

Then after 30 days in the hospital I was finally released to go home. I was so happy and proud of myself for walking with a cane and for trying my best to survive. So, now I'm home then what? Yes, I can walk with my cane but I don't have my doctor and my nurses with me anymore. Now I'm on my own and I don't know what to do with myself. I can't move my left arm so I am always needing help from my family. Then came the feeling of frustration, anger and sadness. I will just get so frustrated that I can't do things by myself anymore. I then get mad to myself and sometimes to my husband who's been taking care of me everyday.

I cry almost everyday for no reason at all. My son will find me crying in the kitchen because I get frustrated and mad for not being able to prepare my own meals, not able to open my own bottle, not able to cook for my family and so much more.I sometimes will just wake up crying and I really don't know why?

After a week of feeling sad and angry, I called my doctor. I went in to see her immediately. I think she got scared when I told her I'm tired of being tired all the time. I think I'm going to give up. So, she asked me to see her immediately. I went and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. My doctor explained that this is normal for people after having a stroke. The brain went through a traumatic experience during the stroke and it's normal for me to have those feelings. She recommended I take medication to help regulate those feelings and see a mental health counselor.

So, fast forward 21 weeks post stroke and her I am doing well.I can't tell you I don't have anxiety and depression anymore but I can tell you I don't cry with no reason anymore, I don't get mad and frustrated when I can't do things that I used to do before my stroke, and I am not taking medication anymore because my doctor and counselor said I don't need it anymore.

So , I know how difficult it is to talk about depression and anxiety because of the stigma behind it. People are sometimes ashamed to ask for help because they are scared of being judged by their family and friends. But I'm here to tell you, don't be! Seek help and support. Talk to your doctor and ask for help. The sooner you seek help and support, the sooner you feel better.

Instead of being ashamed of what you have been through,Be proud of what you have overcome!Find something that brings you joy and do more of it! Like gardening, painting, going for a walk with your family and visiting your favorite place and just enjoy the view peacefully.

This is me, 6 months after my stroke. Doing what makes me happy. I loved coming here every year before my stroke every spring for the Tulip Festival. My husband brought me back here because he knew it's my favorite place and the tulips give me joy. And walking here with my cane for the first time after my stroke made me feel fulfilled.

This is me in my favorite rose garden. I always come here during summer time when the roses are blooming even before my stroke. This was 8 months after my stroke. The moment I knew I was strong enough to stand without my cane, I ask my husband to bring me here to see the roses. It's one of the many things that gives me joy. And sometimes it's all you need to feel normal again.