Stroke Support Groups Online

One of the common effects of a stroke is depression. Because strokes cause brain damage, they can cause behavioral shifts that result in depressive behavior. But more often than not, the debilitating effects of a stroke themselves cause the depression. It's relatively easy to understand how traumatizing a stroke might be; after all a professional writer may wake up and be unable to read, write or understand language, a jogger may face months, years, or decades in a wheelchair, or someone who is fiercely independent may find themselves unable to dress themselves.

It is of vital importance that stroke survivors overcome their depression. Depressed persons are less likely to keep up with their medications and rehabilitative therapies, thus intensifying the effects of the stroke. There are numerous ways to alleviate depression including medication, and counseling as well as spiritual and social activities. One of the best ways is to join a support group for stroke survivors. Like survivors of other traumatic physical events, such as rape or combat duty, stroke survivors often have a hard time discussing their feelings with those who have not suffered in the same way.

Online Stroke Support Groups

Online stroke support groups are a good option for those whose mobility may have been impaired by a stroke, or otherwise may not be able to make offline meetings. Online groups also have the advantage of relative anonymity.

There are a number of online stroke support groups. The University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center maintains a listserv for anyone wishing to discuss any aspect of stroke from a personal rather than a medical perspective. Joining is as simple as sending an email to listserv@lsv.uky.edu, using the email address you would like to communicate with other stroke survivors, along with your name in the body of the email. For more information on this group, click here.

One of the most prominent groups is The Stroke Network, Inc., a registered non-profit organization that first incorporated in 1996. Their website http://www.strokenetwork.net/ is full of information about stroke, current medical issues relating to stroke, caregiving, and treatment, among other vital facts. The site also has a forum for discussion: recent topics have included living wills and the emotional impact of stroke. To visit The Stroke Network, click here.

Generation S is a group that is designed especially for young stroke survivors, founded by a couple in their late twenties one of whom suffered a stroke. The site features information, resources, and an emailing list. The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association maintains forums for stroke survivors on a variety of related topics. WebMD maintains a stroke support group as well here, that consists mainly of discussion groups on various stroke related topics, as well as articles on stroke. Daily Strength has a similar set up for its stroke support group here.

Stroke-related websites, such as the National Stroke Association, are good sources of information both in terms of prevention, and in terms of resources for stroke survivors, such as lists of stroke support groups. The American Stroke Association also maintains a list of stroke support groups here.

Sources

Life After Stroke: Survivor and Caregiver, National Stroke Association