Feeling emotionally overwhelmed is natural after stroke.

You may have the following feelings:

• grief and a sense of loss: This may be accompanied by shock, confusion, denial and fear about all the changes in your life.
• frustration and anger: You may be more irritable after stroke, or you may find it hard to control your temper.
• depression and anxiety: You may feel sad or down, lose interest in things you enjoy, feel empty or numb. You may have trouble sleeping. This is all common after stroke. Talk to your psychologist if you feel this way.
• sudden changes in mood: You may feel an anger that seems to come from nowhere. Or you may suddenly start laughing or crying uncontrollably for no reason. This is called ‘emotional lability’.

Stroke can leave you feeling very emotional. You may be fatigued, very sleepy or have some side effects from your medication.

All this can affect your behaviour. You may:

• struggle with social cues
• interrupt or be blunt in your conversations with others
• stand too close to someone
• act impulsively, spend recklessly or engage in risky activities

Stroke may change how you respond to things, but it does not change who you are as a person.

Naming these changes, being aware of them and talking with others about them are the best ways of managing them.

How can I cope with these changes?

Treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you better understand the link between your thinking and behaviour and how your actions affect other people.

Other ways to cope with behavioural changes include:

• making time for rest and play
• taking part in physical activity that is in line with your abilities
• maintaining a daily schedule that balances physical activity, mental activity and everyday activities
• practising mindfulness
• having regular chats with loved ones
• setting daily or weekly behaviour goals and rewarding yourself when you achieve them

Are you struggling with your emotions after stroke?

The Irish Heart Foundation offers the following support:

• individual counselling provided by our nationwide panel of Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) approved professional counsellors
• peer-to-peer phone support delivered by stroke survivors who understand what you might be going through
• online mindfulness course
• education to support your mental health