StrokeSurvivorBlog

Many stroke survivors suffer from depression and lack of motivation that slows their stroke recovery. This often happens as a result of their high expectations for recovery not being met. When that happens, they often feel hopeless, useless and worthless.

My husband Steve is experiencing depression and a lack of motivation right now. Shortly after his stroke he had very high expectations for a full recovery. But as time passed and his recovery slowed, he grew more and more depressed.  His loss of ability was so profound for him because he was so physically capable of doing almost anything. He was a hands-on home builder starting his own business when he was only 22. He could fix almost anything…a handy guy to have around. Then the stroke took away those abilities.

In the beginning, he had hopes of regaining the use of his arm and hand back, but as the months passed he gave up. Even though he is getting movement  back in his arm and hand, it’s not fast enough for him to try harder. He didn’t even want to try fishing again even though our son-in-law made him a fishing pole holder. Steve said it took two hands…one to reel in and the other to feel the line for any fish activity, so he won’t even try it.  Doing anything less than what he could do before would not even be attempted. It’s all or nothing. He stopped trying, and his lack of motivation led to depression and slowed his stroke recovery to a crawl. This is where he is right now 20 months after his stroke.

This is very nerve-wracking and frustrating for me,  because I know if he’ll just try, it will stimulate those brain cells. He has come a long way, but Steve doesn’t see it that way. He said the stroke happened in an instant, so he wants his recovery to take place in an instant. Yes, it’s unrealistic, but that’s his mindset right now. With winter and cold weather coming that will keep him inside, he may slip deeper and deeper into depression unless he makes up his mind to fight for his life, to celebrate little successes, and to keep trying. He feels useless and worthless in his present condition…such a loss for a man who still has the knowledge and skill, but not the physical ability to work. He tried an anti-depressant in the past, but it triggered a seizure, so that is not a route we want to go.

My heart grieves for him and I don’t know what to do to motivate him other than to pray for him. All my other efforts have failed, so I put this in the Lord’s hands and hope and pray that Steve will regain his motivation and not give up.