Mental Health Issues Developing Following a Stroke Should Not Be Ignored

Strokes are dramatic health events, and most of us know that many physical problems can occur due to a stroke. With medical advances, the number of people who survive a stroke and live with its consequences grows every year. But strokes are dangerous and are the second leading cause of death worldwide. Strokes have an annual mortality rate of about 5.5 million. 

Strokes have a high mortality rate, but about 50% of survivors are chronically disabled. Worldwide 13.7 million people have a stroke. The CDC says that a stroke impacts almost 800,000 people in the United States. There are approximately 152,000 strokes in the U.K. every year. In Canada, 50,000 people have a stroke annually, 50,000 annually in Australia, 10,000 in Ireland, and 900 in New Zealand.

Mental Health Issues Resulting from a Stroke

Depression, mood swings, and anxiety can result from a stroke but sometimes get ignored. The physical problems resulting from a stroke are evident, and strokes are a leading cause of long-term health care. But there is an emotional part of the equation. Research suggests that those who suffer from a stroke are at higher risk of anxiety, depression, or both. Strokes affect a person's mental health and add another dimension for both professional and family caregivers and families. 

Strokes happen quickly and suddenly, changing a person's life within seconds. Like many medical events, a stroke can affect a person's mental and emotional well-being. Most of the time, people focus on the physical ailments that a stroke causes, pushing aside the importance of its effects on a person's mental health.

However, mental well-being is slowly making its way into the limelight as more people begin to understand the critical role it plays in a person's life. 

Anxiety

Experiencing a stroke can be traumatizing. Many stroke survivors tend to become more anxious due to the fear that another stroke could be around the corner. Anxiety manifests itself through racing thoughts, worst-case scenarios playing in a person's head, agitation, shortness of breath, and failure to perform specific tasks due to intense fears. Treatment for anxiety often includes therapy and medication.

Depression

People commonly experience depression after strokes because of the quick and significant changes in their lives. After a stroke, it can be challenging for someone to return to the life they knew prior to the stroke. 

The stroke victims' ability to complete daily living activities often diminishes, eliminating numerous activities from their lifestyle. This change in their style of living may make them feel helpless.

Depression consists of heavy negative emotions, lack of energy, thoughts of suicide, and feelings of helplessness, among other signs. Treatments for depression are often similar to those used for anxiety: therapy and medication.

Frustration

The numerous lifestyle changes can also create feelings of frustration. After strokes, many people feel their freedom has been stripped from them, as they now face multiple limitations and have to rely heavily on others. 

Further frustration may occur from the anger of experiencing a stroke and its aftereffects. Sometimes people blame themselves or hold a lot of anger because they underwent such an event and are no longer the same as before.

Emotional

A stroke affects a person's brain and its various functions. The brain controls people's emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. After a stroke, overwhelming feelings may wash through without warning and make it hard for one to control their emotions. Sometimes it's challenging for people to understand or be patient with their emotional outbursts because they happen suddenly. There can be a heightened level of sadness, anger, irritation, and confusion.

The American Stroke Association says that acceptance on the part of the stroke victim can be helpful. Acceptance doesn't mean giving up. Stroke victims should be encouraged to stop mourning the past and look toward the future. Families and friends can be beneficial in providing positive support and encouragement.

There are many ways to support a loved one after a stroke, but if you are a family member, understand the emotions that the stroke victim may be going through and learns ways you can be supportive. Encourage your friend or family member to try to remain social and engage in life as best they can. More people regain some independence even after a serious stroke, but it takes work and support.

While there are people that recover with little or no residues from the stroke, many will need long-term health care either at home or in a facility. Caregiving is very demanding on family members both physically and emotionally. Professional care is costly, and those costs are increasing. 

Use Insurance Benefits if Available

If the stroke victim has Long-Term Care Insurance, be sure they use their benefits. Sometimes families try to take on the responsibilities when they would be better off, and the care recipient would be better off with professionally trained care.

Be sure the care recipient gets treated for any anxiety or depression they may be suffering from due to the stroke. The mental health problems can be just as significant as physical problems. 

You can get help finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not, by using the support offered through LTC NEWS. LTC NEWS can connect you with free - no-obligation support and claims processing of LTC Insurance - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.