Mood Swings and Depression After a Stroke
After a stroke, a patient 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.
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| Some patients may have problems controlling their emotions. |
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 patient may suddenly cry or laugh.
You Can Help
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Stay calm. Accept the behavior and go on with what you were doing.
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If the patient apologizes, acknowledge the behavior as a result of the stroke.
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Do not criticize.
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| Medication may help depression. |
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
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Ask the doctor whether medication can help reduce the depression.
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Keep the person active. Play games, watch TV, or listen to music together.
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Ask friends to visit if the person is willing to see them.
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Do not discount depression by telling the patient to “cheer up.”
Date Last Reviewed:
1/15/2007
Date Last Modified:
8/14/2003