28 October – 3 November 2022 is National Stroke Week.
https://www.world-stroke.org/world-stroke-day-campaign/world-stroke-day states that The global awareness day was established by WSO and provides a global platform for the stroke community to increase awareness and drive action on stroke around the world.
Dube & Pottas Inc Social Workers render Social Work Services to CVA / Stroke patients on a daily basis in Acute, Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Hospitals. Stroke Patients are referred to Social Workers to help address emotional, family and social issues. Social Work Services are also rendered in order to ensure a safe discharge.
Many people who survive a stroke develop feelings of fear, anxiety, frustration, anger, low mood, and a sense of grief from their physical and mental disabilities.
Clinical depression, which is a sense of hopelessness that disrupts an individual’s ability to function, is an emotional disorder most commonly experienced by stroke survivors. It is recommended that anyone experiencing five or more of the following symptoms for more than two weeks should help:
- Persistent sad or “empty” mood
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”
- Sudden difficulty in sleeping well
- Unexplained loss of appetite and weight, or weight gain
- Difficult concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Irritability
- Excessive crying
- Chronic aches and pains that don’t respond to treatment
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide planning or attempts
Here are a few TIPS to fight / avoid the emotional impact of a Stroke:
- Make the most of your rehab: the more you recover, the better you will feel the more motivated you will be.
- Get involved in daily activities with friends or family. Many stroke survivors feel isolated and alone, even if they aren’t physically incapacitated from the stroke.
- Set goals and measure accomplishments.
- Plan daily activities to provide structure and sense of purpose.
- Join a stroke support group. Other survivors will understand your issues, and offer support and ideas to help you manage your emotions. https://www.strokesurvivors.org.za/
- Speak openly and honestly to your caregivers or family members about your emotional changes. Together you can work out a solution.
- Maintain your quality of life by staying active and doing things you enjoy
- Ask your doctor how to relieve any physical discomforts like pain, muscle spasms, and constipation
Family support is also very important in dealing with anxiety and depression in stroke survivors. Therefore this also has an emotional impact on the family members. In many cases a family member has to fulfill the role of a Caregiver. Social Work Services rendered by Dube & Pottas Inc also focuses and addresses the emotional impact on the Family Members / Caregiver.
For Social Work Services C O N T A C T U S – info@dubepottas.co.za
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