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depression after stroke requires professional help, health group says
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senator fetterman checked into a washington-area hospital the following day for treatment for clinical depression. reuters/evelyn hockstein
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when u.s. senator john fetterman suffered a debilitating stroke on the campaign trail last year, it revealed how little many people know about the repercussions that can follow a so-called “brain attack.”
now that fetterman has checked himself into a hospital to receive care for clinical depression, the american stroke association, a division of the american heart association, is speaking up. according to a scientific statement released by the organization, roughly one in three people who survive a stroke experience levels of depression that should be treated by a qualified professional.
“depression following a stroke can be a normal psychological reaction to the stress of the injury, disability or brush with mortality brought on by the stroke,” said lee h. schwamm, an american heart association volunteer and professor of neurology at harvard medical school in boston. “in other cases, it may be caused by structural, electrical or biochemical changes in the brain. if certain brain regions are injured, the systems that regulate emotion may be damaged and produce depression, anxiety or ptsd-like symptoms in stroke survivors.
“depression and stroke are both examples of the many conditions which threaten brain health.”
according to the heart & stroke foundation, a stroke occurs when something blocks the flow of blood to the brain, damaging cells in the area. canadians suffer 108,707 strokes on an annual basis, or one every five minutes. with the potential for a wide range of symptoms to emerge depending on the area and extent of damage suffered, many canadians may not be receiving the care they need.
a stroke can affect anyone of any age at any time and have a wide-ranging effect on the human body, schwamm said, disrupting numerous functions, including sleep patterns, eating and continence. anyone who experiences depression in the aftermath of a stroke should consult with a trained professional who can offer an objective evaluation and prescribe treatment.
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depression is a serious health condition that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. treatment, usually through a combination of medication, counselling and stress-reduction, not only improves mood, it can enhance the body’s physical, cognitive and intellectual recovery. studies have shown that patients who have lower levels of social support may be more likely to struggle with depression.
self-care is a critical consideration in the aftermath of a stroke, as is reaching out to friends and family for emotional support to overcome the medical emergency — and the stigma that can be associated with asking for help. stroke survivors who are unable to overcome this stigma are often left to struggle in silence.
other symptoms of a stroke include a prolonged sadness, anxiety or an “empty mood.” patients can feel restless, irritable, hopeless, pessimistic, guilty, worthless or helpless. they may lose interest in activities that previously gave them pleasure, including sex, and experience low energy and difficulty remembering, concentrating or making decisions. they may experience weight or appetite changes, insomnia and experience thoughts of suicide or death.
as immediate medical care is required to minimize damage, it is important to use the letters in f.a.s.t. to spot the signs that a person may suffering from a stroke. these include, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time to call 911. other symptoms of a stroke in process can include sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, a severe headache or difficulty walking.
dave yasvinski is a writer with healthing.ca
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