As one moves through the recovery process several changes can be noticed, be it physical or cognitive, or may be a combination of both. The present article deals with both behavioral and emotional changes that are associated with stroke.

Different stages that are involved:

1. Shock- usually occurs during the initial phase of rehabilitation. A feeling of helplessness may accompany the shock. During this time the direction and support of friends is extremely important. The next stage begins when you realize that life goes on.
2. Denial- offers you and your family a way to escape the overwhelming aspects of the disability. The only thing that matters now is getting well. You may be much more motivated to work toward recovery than to learn to function with a disability. Focus on essentials and responsibilities you now must face.
3. Reaction- begins when you and your family start to realize the full impact of the disability. The most common reactions are depression or mourning the loss of certain abilities. If this reaction interferes with rehabilitation or usual activities, it is important to be evaluated, and if necessary treated, for depression.
4. Mobilization - You might become eager to learn during this stage. When family members reach this stage, they begin to show more interest in learning how to help you. This is often a good time to try short trips or outings.
5. Coping- is the final stage of the grief process. This is when you and your family learn to live with the disability the stroke has caused.

Behavior Changes

Behavior changes can result from many things including depression or the brain injury that resulted from the stroke. An evaluation by a neurologist soon after the stroke is important to determine whether you might benefit from medical treatment.

Counseling is often helpful in treating depression. It can also be very helpful to deal with the painful and self-defeating emotions of depression by changing your behavior. Some depression may be treated with a combination of individual or group therapy and antidepressant drugs. Family can help by trying to stimulate your interest in other people, encourage leisure activities and provide opportunities to participate in spiritual activities.

Here are some simple ways to fight depression:

• Be as physically active as possible.
• Set goals and structure time to provide a way of measuring real accomplishments.
• Schedule daily activities to provide structure and a sense of purpose.
• Enjoy social activities that provide stimulation and help enhance language recovery and self-esteem.

Certain changes that are experienced could be related to the brain damage caused by stroke. Such changes may include:

Memory Loss –reminders or prompts might be needed to finish a sentence or certain tasks. Doing things in a routine manner might be helpful.

Perception and concentration might be a problem. Social situations can be difficult with these problems. Choose small, quiet, slow-paced gatherings to attend.

One-sided neglect - damage to the right side of the brain can cause you to neglect literally half, the left side, of your world. You may ignore the left side of the face when washing, or may not eat food on the left side of the plate. If you move your head to the left, neglected objects may become apparent.

Emotional Liability - sudden laughing or crying for no apparent reason and difficulty controlling emotional responses are common after stroke. There may be no happiness or sadness involved, and the emotional display may end very quickly. Medication may be prescribed to help the problem.

Relationships: Intimacy

Sexual relationship following a stroke differs from couple to couple. Many find that their sexual relationship has changed. There can be many different obstacles to resuming a loving, sexual relationship.

Reassurance, warmth, and time can often help with these concerns. Resuming sexual activity can help strengthen the relationship and provide pleasure and enhanced self-esteem to both partners. Any queries, consult your doctor.

Dealing with Emotional Changes

Low self regard, self criticism, feelings of isolation, all these emotions can prevent you from engaging in the kinds of activities that might help increase your self-esteem. Seek professional help.

Grieving process

After surviving a stroke, it’s understandable that your emotions will be in a whirlwind and your family might experience that same and begin to comprehend their personal losses and go through a grieving process, much like those who have experienced death or divorce.

Many stroke survivors feel that they have lost control over their lives. The work of recovering from a stroke begins in the hospital, but continues at home. To achieve as much progress as possible, both you need a plan to follow.

Recognizing the stages of grief can help you better cope with the emotional changes. Friends can gain insight, so they can better understand your thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Developing a plan of action can help restore the capacity to make decisions and execute choices. Setting goals can help you deal with the inevitable times of discouragement that come during the recovery period. Goals may be for physical improvement or personal growth.

• Physical improvements might result in your ability to independently care for yourself.
• Personal goals might focus on re-learning a skill such as driving or developing a more rewarding relationships.

In the months following a stroke, the rate of recovery inevitably slows. Because the gains are no longer as large and dramatic, it is easy to become discouraged and overlook the progress you’ve made.

Related Articles

• Is Stroke Worse than a Heart Attack?
• Heart Patients are at a High Risk of Stroke
• Rehabilitation may begin within two days after the Stroke
• Recent Facts in Treatment and Research of Stroke.