A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot, or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs to function properly.
The brain is an extremely complex organ that controls various body functions. If a stroke occurs and blood flow can't reach the region of the brain that controls a particular function, then that part of the body won't work as it should. The brain also controls our behavior and emotions, which is why people often experience emotional and behavioral changes following a stroke. Injury from a stroke may make a person forgetful, careless, irritable or confused. Stroke survivors may also feel anxiety, anger or depression.
Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. However, true clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer.
Symptoms of depression can include:
- Agitation, restlessness, and irritability
- Becoming withdrawn or isolated
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Trouble sleeping or too much sleeping
Our team at UnityPoint Health - Des Moines-Des Moines is dedicated to offering
comprehensive stroke rehabilitation services to survivors and their support persons. Without a doubt, stroke is a life-changing event; our objective is to restore independence, educate survivors and their caregivers, and support the emotional recovery of those affected by stroke.