Depression

My faith has provided me with strength in accepting my new normal.

Ramon

Individual dealing with depression

There is a difference between sadness and depression. Sadness comes and goes. It is normal to feel sadness and a sense of loss after a stroke. Sadness that doesn’t go away may be a sign of depression. People who have experienced a stroke –– as well as their families and caregivers –– are at higher risk for depression. If you know the signs of depression and you experience them yourself or see them in others, contact your doctor. Depression can slow down your recovery. There are treatments that can help.

Signs of depression

Depression is most common in the first three to six months after a stroke, but can occur at any time – even many months later. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor. Treatment can involve speaking to a trained mental health professional, taking medication or both.

Physical signs

changes in your sleep pattern (not sleeping well, or sleeping more than normal)
changes in appetite
gaining or losing weight without trying
feeling tired, having much less energy
feeling restless
chronic pain or digestive problems (such as stomach aches, nausea, constipation or diarrhea).

Emotional signs

feeling sad, anxious, irritable, nervous, guilty, worthless or hopeless
not feeling interested in doing things you used to enjoy
finding it hard to focus, remember things or make decisions
changes in your work style or zest for work
constant thoughts of death and/or suicide

If you believe someone is in danger because of their thoughts of suicide, call a distress line or 9-1-1 right away.

The difference between sadness and depression

The blues or sadness	Clinical depression
You feel sad or unhappy. (We all feel this way sometimes).	Clinical depression is a medical condition resulting from chemical changes
You know why you feel sad or blue (because of a sad event).	You do not know why you feel the way you do.
You find that the feeling of sadness goes away on its own.	Clinical depression does not go away without treatment.
You notice that your sad mood is temporary — it lasts a few days or weeks.	Clinical depression can last months or years.

Emotional issues are part of your journey

You may naturally want to hide your feelings. You may not want to share feelings of sadness or depression. But keeping emotions inside can interfere with your recovery.Sharing your feelings, as hard as it may be, is a step toward meeting your recovery goals.

Find people you can talk to about your feelings. This might be family, friends, other stroke survivors, someone from your faith community, or a member of your healthcare team. Join or start a support group. If any of your feelings become overwhelming, talk with a healthcare professional right away.

I keep a journal of one positive thing that happens everyday, so when I am down it shows me that there are good parts in my life

John

Individual dealing with depression

Where to get support

Talk about how you are feeling to a member of your healthcare team you are comfortable with. A psychologist or social worker might also help. Speak with people in your life that you are close to and trust. Look for support groups or peer visiting programs. Talking to others who live with stroke can help.

March of Dimes local support groups

Stroke Recovery Canada™ Warmline 1-888-540-6666. Connects you with stroke survivors and caregivers.

Social and peer support