Feelings of grief and anger are normal after a stroke
A stroke can be a traumatic event and leave victims with speech and mobility problems. But the anxiety can continue for many years, as the Stroke Association explains.
MORE than half of stroke survivors experience symptoms of anxiety at some point within 10 years of their stroke.
Everyone’s experience is unique, but for many stroke survivors, it can feel like losing a big part of the life they had before.
Feelings of shock, denial, anger, grief and guilt are normal when faced with such a devastating change. Dealing with them can be hard, and everyone does it in their own way.
One in five survivors also face problems with controlling emotional reactions, such as crying or laughing.
Stephen Attwood from Bridgend faced anxiety and emotionalism after his stroke at 36.
In December 2017 the father-of-two was in bed when he suddenly couldn’t move or speak. Luckily, his wife was present and able to call an ambulance.
Stephen was given clot-busting drugs at Bridgend before being transferred to Bristol for a thrombectomy – a procedure where a wire is inserted into the brain to remove the clot.
His ability to move and speak returned. But as things settled down after a few weeks, Stephen began to experience increasingly severe anxiety.
“I did have some anxiety before the stroke, but I could always manage by being on the go – I did lots of running,” he said.
“I began having very vivid dreams. I got to the point where I wasn’t sleeping and couldn’t control my emotions. Initially my family weren’t aware, but a few weeks later it was clear for them to see.
“I was advised to take meds for the anxiety, which I refused to begin with because I felt it had a stigma attached to it. But my stroke nurse assured me that they weren’t addictive and I wouldn’t be like a zombie.
“Emily from the Stroke Association came round for a chat. She explained how I was feeling was normal and that there was support at stroke groups if I needed it. I also went on social media and saw that others were in a lot worse state than me.”
Things have slowly improved for Stephen who has just returned to work, although obvious anxiety over the cause of the stroke remains – something which many stroke survivors must face.
“They think it was caused by a hole in my heart which they’re investigating,” he added.
“I also get anxiety about thinking of how lucky I was that my wife was with me and I got access to the best treatment so quickly, or I could have been left with speech problems and being paralysed down one side. Now I’m able to get out and exercise a bit more. I haven’t got too much energy, but I’m in a more positive frame of mind.”
Signs of anxiety include feeling restless, a sense of dread, feeling on edge, difficulty concentrating, a racing heartbeat, trembling or shaking, feeling short of breath or feeling sick.
As well as the support of local Stroke Association coordinators, the Stroke Helpline is a source of information and advice.
“Over the past 12 months we’ve spoken to around 1,100 people on the helpline about their mental health following a stroke,” said John Wilde, Stroke Helpline manager.
“Our helpline officers are here to listen. People can sometimes find it easier to talk through their feelings with someone they don’t know.
“Stroke survivors tell us that they do not feel in control of their lives, are afraid of having another stroke or suffering worsening health.
“They can also have very complicated situations which are difficult to cope with, which can trigger or enhance anxiety. Isolation and loneliness can also lead to people feeling anxious.
“We can signpost to other support that might be useful, such as talking therapies and self-help tips like mindfulness.’
Long-term symptoms of anxiety include tiredness, not going out and avoiding new situations, problems sleeping, tense or aching muscles and being irritable with other people.
Another person who also felt some of these symptoms is Annabel Jones, who had a stroke at 22.
She is now an ambassador for the Stroke Association and sits on the charity’s Wales Advisory Committee.
“I’d never experienced anything like it before,” said Annabel.
“You’re living in a constant state of fear, thinking how the stroke will affect all areas of your life. My eating habits fell apart because I felt nauseous all the time and I would get angry.
“So it was very important for the Stroke Association coordinator to tell me that what I was feeling was normal and I wasn’t weak. It helped break down the barriers because you’re bound to feel anxious after trauma.”
Annabel, who was left with sight problems after the stroke, had both counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy to help her deal with the anxiety.
“It helped me to let go of those feelings, and control the parts of my life which I could do something about,” she said. But if I hadn’t been offered that support through my GP, I wouldn’t have known to ask for it. I want to help make sure that everyone, whatever their age and wherever they live, are offered help like this.”
■ Guides to emotional changes after stroke, depression and what local support is available for stroke survivors and families can be requested from the Stroke Association Helpline on 0303 3033 303, or downloaded from stroke.org.uk.