After a stroke, a person may feel sudden or extreme emotions. Sadness and depression are common. These feelings may be due to damage in the brain. Or they may be a response to the person’s awareness of what has happened.
Coping with mood swings
One common effect of stroke is lability. This problem makes people less able to control their emotions. Lability may cause a sudden mood shift that is out of context with what is going on. A person may suddenly cry or laugh.
You can help
-
Stay calm. Accept the behavior and go on with what you were doing.
-
If the person apologizes, acknowledge the behavior as a result of the stroke.
-
Don't criticize.
-
Treat the person with respect at all times.
Dealing with depression
A person may feel depressed after having a stroke. This may be due to brain damage. Changes in body image and grieving for lost skills, such as speech or freedom of movement, may also cause depression.
You can help
-
Ask the health care provider whether medicine can help reduce the depression. You may need to take your loved one to see a psychiatrist or psychologist if they have severe depression.
-
Help the person stay active. Play games, watch TV, take a walk, or listen to music together.
-
Ask friends to visit if the person is willing to see them.
-
Don't discount depression by telling the person to “cheer up.”
Related Articles
Behavior Changes After Brain Injury
After a brain injury, a person may behave in new or different ways and may have personality changes. Here are things to expect and how you might help.
Common Effects of Stroke
Having a stroke can change many things in your life. Learn about the common effects of stroke.
Taking Care of the Family After a Loved One's Brain Injury
Any brain injury may lead to some changes in the affected person and their family members. Read this to learn ways to keep your family moving ahead.
Living well after a traumatic brain injury
Most TBI symptoms do and will improve with time. And even though some symptoms may last for years or even a lifetime, you can find ways to cope. Here's what you need to know.
