Stroke is a sudden, immediate event which can have a devastating impact on the individual. After stroke, many people go through a grieving process, grieving the loss of function, role and control. A stroke might make the individual question and fear their own mortality and they may experience increased anxiety of further strokes or dying. Social isolation may occur, with many stroke survivors becoming unable or unwilling to participate in previous social or leisure activities or returning to work.
In addition to this, stroke may result in physical and mental changes and sometimes changes in physical appearance. In some cases these changes may be disfiguring. Difficulty controlling emotion can occur after stroke and people may become upset more easily. Lack of communication or cognitive deficits can be equally debilitating.
All of these factors can affect an individual’s body image, sexuality and self esteem leading to depression. (Hatchett M L, Anderson CS 2005) A high incidence of depression is reported in stroke survivors with studies reporting between 15 – 41% of all stroke survivors are classified as depressed (Eriksson M et al 2004) (Wade et al 1987).
Rosemary is experiencing stress due to her financial situation. She is anxious about how she will manage at work, and lacking confidence after having been off for a prolonged period as well as being due to how the stroke has affected her.
Page last reviewed: 08 Apr 2021
