Based on this formulation (shared understanding of why Lisa has been feeling as she has), Lisa has been working on:
- Discussing with the Stroke Clinical Psychologist how fatigue, anxiety and depression can all impact on cognitive functioning, as well as a stroke. Using strategies to more effectively manage the cognitive demands of tasks in everyday life.
- Using fatigue management strategies to reduce the impact of fatigue on daily life.
- Despite thoughts running through her mind that she’s a failure, Lisa has tried explaining to her family and friends more about the invisible symptoms of stroke that she still experiences, and shared information from CHSS, Stroke Association and Different Strokes with them. They were more understanding and supportive than she thought they would be, and have been open to making changes to support Lisa better.
- Using a graded approach to exercise to help her restart activities that she used to enjoy, both alone and with friends.
- Using CBT to manage her insomnia.
- Recognising that the critical voice in her mind isn’t helping her to make the changes that matter to her, and practising being more compassionate to herself so that she can do the things that will help her to live the life that she wants to. This is a particular challenge for Lisa and one that she and the Stroke Clinical Psychologist work on a lot in their sessions together.
Lisa has been working with the Stroke Clinical Psychologist for 5 months now, and they repeat the outcome measures that they have been using. Lisa’s scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale have reduced and just as importantly, she has been achieving some of the behavioural goals that she and the Stroke Clinical Psychologist agreed at the start of therapy.
Page last reviewed: 05 Oct 2021
