Coping After A Loved One Suffers from a Stroke

How do you cope with the changes that are a result of a loved one suffering from a stroke? The stroke victim's life changes in many ways, these changes can be physical, mental or emotional, and in some cases a combination of all. Family members and loved ones also suffer and experience life-style changes, as well as emotional stress.

For the stroke victim, based on the type of stroke, the damage varies. It can be minimum in some cases and extreme in others. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke and taking appropriate action is vital, do not hesitate to call 911 right away, from the onset of a stroke time is of essence.

Once the stroke has occurred and the recovery process begins the family or caregiver(s) are faced with new challenges. The responsibilities range from making decisions about the type of stroke care given based on doctor recommendation, there are financial decisions to make, and ultimately the road to recovery decisions need to be made. The patient may need physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc. and all of these important decisions can leave the primary and secondary caregiver(s) mentally, physically, and emotionally drained.

The first and hardest hurdle is explaining to your loved one, who may have little memory if any at all of what has happened to them, that they have had a stroke. In some severe cases this may not be possible, depending on the patient and the affect of the stroke. Keeping a smile on your face, and encouraging your loved one to be optimistic is no easy task. Coping with the stress associated with this alone is unbearable for some. But there are ways to cope and make it through these tough times.

First and most important is to educate yourself on the subject, get information on the signs of a stroke (for future reference), the types of strokes, post-stroke depression, stroke and therapy, speech pathologist, stroke and caregivers help, if you have a question(s) ask or look it up on the Internet, make a list of questions for the doctor(s) and nurse(s), and do not hesitate to ask for detailed explanations.

Next, do not try to do it all alone, reach out to others that have or are going through the same or similar circumstances, this can be very helpful. Learning how others are coping or have coped with the care of a loved one that is a post-stroke patient can be extremely beneficial.

Finally, take care of yourself! Many caregivers, neglect themselves and become burned out which can lead to Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder or Compassion Fatigue. Get your proper rest, and nutrition.

When you appear tired, weak or worn out your loved one may begin to feel guilty. The post-stroke patient is already frustrated, and can become depressed easily due to their condition, if they begin to feel guilty about your health they will feel like a burden which has no positive benefit for you or your loved one. Protect your health!

To get you started, Hope4stroke