More help urged for post-stroke depression

That’s according to the Stroke Foundation, which is calling for more mental health support for stroke survivors.

Research has revealed mood is often affected after stroke, with depression the most common disturbance, limiting survivors’ ability to recover and reducing their quality of life.

Speaking on World Health Day on April 7, Stroke Foundation chief executive Sharon McGowan said that in the “days, weeks and months after stroke, attention can be so focused on a survivor’s physical recovery – getting them walking or using affected limbs – that their overall wellbeing is ignored”.

She said a person’s mental and emotional health “can significantly alter the outcomes from rehabilitation” and ultimately effect their quality of the life, social connectedness and ability to return to work.

Ms McGowan said survivors often don’t understand what they are feeling or why, making it vital for health professionals, survivors and their families to discuss mental and emotional health as part of stroke treatment and recovery.

The foundation wants greater focus on the psychological needs of survivors and has called on the federal and state governments to invest in resources to ensure all patients are assessed and appropriate

support is provided during inpatient rehabilitation.

“This year, Australians will experience more than 55,000 strokes; one in three of these strokes will happen to someone of working age,’’ Ms McGowan said.

“Medical advancements mean that stroke is treatable, however recovery from stroke can be a difficult experience, full of uncertainty and sometimes isolation.

“It is a journey of both courage and hope.”