Stroke can lead to increased risk for depression

Having a stroke can be a life-altering experience. Depending upon the severity of the stroke, you can experience everything from a brief loss of consciousness with no lingering side effects to full-on long-term disabilities that dramatically change how you’ll live the rest of your life.

What you may not realize is that having a stroke also can lead to serious depression, particularly within the first year. Up to two-thirds of people who have a stroke will feel depressed at some point afterward.

Anna Shugart, director of the Blount Memorial Health & Recovery Center, says this is due to how drastically having a stroke can change you.

“Having a stroke may mean that you face changes in relationships, independence, or the ability to work and earn a living, so it is not surprising that dealing with these losses may lead to depression,” she said.

 “Several factors may affect the risk and severity of depression after a stroke, including the area of the brain where stroke damage occurred, a personal or family history of depression or other mood or anxiety disorders, and a person’s level of social isolation prior to having a stroke. We’ve also found that stroke, heart disease and depression may be related. Stroke and heart disease share risk factors, such as high blood pressure and being overweight. A recent study showed that older people with heart disease who had more severe and frequent depression symptoms actually were more likely to have a stroke,” she explained.

 “This type of depression is not limited to just the stroke patient, though. Caregivers, family members and friends of people who have had a stroke often can have depression as well,” she added.

Shugart says, much like a physical disability, depression can affect your overall quality of life following a stroke.

 “Depression interferes with your daily life and routine,” she said. “About 6.7 percent of U.S. adults ages 18 and older have depression. It is marked by feelings of sadness, anxiety or emptiness; feeling hopeless, guilty, worthless, or helpless; feeling irritable or restless; loss of interest in activities or hobbies; feeling tired all the time, difficulty concentrating, problems with sleeping and eating, and possible thoughts of death and suicide. Stroke survivors with untreated depression may be less likely to follow treatment plans, and may be more irritable or have changes in personality,” she explained.

As for seeking professional help, Shugart says you should go with your feelings. “If you think you may be depressed, you absolutely should speak to your doctor,” she said. “The sooner you receive help and support, the sooner you are likely to feel better. Many people don’t want to admit to how bad they are feeling or acknowledge that they may be depressed. Understanding that your symptoms are due to depression and that it is a common effect of stroke may help you to find and accept the help and support you need,” she explained.

“Seeing a general practitioner is a good first step. In some cases he or she may refer you to a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. It is important to remember that depression is treatable, and recovery is common,” Shugart added

If you have any family members or are caring for anybody who is suffering from either a Stroke or Depression, our comprehensive Care Plans could be perfect for you.

The Care Plan sets out a clear explanation of the resident’s issue, and will guide the nurse or carer through the process of preparing a comprehensive, individual person centred Care Plan

Please click for our Stroke Care Plan

Please click for our Depression Care Plan

If you have any further queries please don’t hesitate to leave a question in the comments section below where I will be happy to answer.