Anxiety after a stroke

[Ethansmomme]

I have major anxiety & depression after my stroke. I have never had this issue before

[FamilyHistorian]

Hi

It’s hard to know what to say as you just refer to never having the issue before. I was depressed when I was first diagnosed with arthritis 40 years ago and felt unfairly treated when I started to have heart problems just over 10 years ago. Having skin cancer just didn’t bother me (not the right attitude)! Since being in ICU for an extended period I do get depressed sometimes just for short periods of time and for longer periods.

Just the simplest thing can set it off. Detention under covid hasn’t helped.

[Sepsur]

Unfortunately it is a common side effect of critical illness - there are many more too.

The symptoms of depression can be complex and vary widely between people. But as a general rule, if you're depressed, you feel sad, hopeless and lose interest in things you used to enjoy.

There are many other symptoms of depression.

Psychological symptoms:

The psychological symptoms of depression include:

1. continuous low mood or sadness

2feeling hopeless and helpless

3. having low self-esteem

4. feeling tearful

5. feeling guilt-ridden

6. feeling irritable and intolerant of others

7. having no motivation or interest in things

8. finding it difficult to make decisions

9. not getting any enjoyment out of life

10. feeling anxious or worried

11. having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself

Physical symptoms:

The physical symptoms of depression include:

13moving or speaking more slowly than usual

14. changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes

increased)

15. constipation

16. unexplained aches and pains

17. lack of energy

18. low sex drive (loss of libido)

19. changes to your menstrual cycle

20. disturbed sleep – for example, finding it difficult to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning.

[Lubo]

It does get easier. I had my stroke in 2016. I had never experienced stress or anxiety before then. After my stroke it hit me really hard, it has got easier to cope with but I’ve never managed to completely recover. I have just learnt that this is the new me.Best wishes

Lucy ❤️