How to Deal With Stroke Recovery

A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. Blood clots begin in arteries, vessels that carry blood from the heart to the body, and those that move blood throughout the body. When cells in the brain die after a stroke, the systems controlled by that part of the brain deteriorate as well. A stroke can cause loss of speech or slurred speech, paralysis, and inability to control muscles. Strokes will affect each person differently. Recovery time depends on the amount of damage done in the brain and the severity of symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Neurologist
• Psychiatrist
• Support group

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Instructions

Dealing with Stroke Recovery

• 1

  Get support. No one can fully recover from such a debilitating illness without the support of family and friends. Don't be afraid to accept help from the people who care about you. And support does not mean personal assistant; it means someone to listen to your fears about your recovery and encourage you to push yourself to regain your mobility.

• 2

  Stay active. Depression can stunt your recovery progress. Continuing to see your friends and participating in as many of the activities you enjoyed prior to your stroke as you can will keep your spirits up.

• 3

  Plan activities in advance. Stroke sufferers are prone to uncontrollable emotional outbursts. It's easy to fall into a debilitating depression if you keep yourself isolated. Plan at least two or three activities a week. The important thing is to keep yourself distracted.

• 4

  See a therapist. Fear, anxiety, anger and sadness are common among stroke victims. Ask your doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist who specializes in treating stroke-recovery patients.

• 5

  Join a support group. Talking to other stroke patients in various stages of recovery will help you see what your future can be like and also allow you to help others who have not gotten as far as you in their own recovery.