1. Surviving and Thriving
Life after Stroke
Psychological Effects

2. In the blink of an eye Life has changed Both good and bad in recovery
difficult but challenging
something gained, something lost
pride in accomplishment but insecurity as well

3. Thriving after stroke. . . Critical features of long-term survival
Finding new ways to do things
Learning to accept and live with painful things
Pushing ahead
fighting fatigue
convincing others
setting small goals
fighting negativism

4. Getting the Basics Down
First stage:
Walking, talking, Self-care
Practice, practice, practice
Second stage:
Out of hibernation
Finding the joy in life
Remember to stop and smell the roses

5. Reality sets in At about one year, reality sets in
Recognition that things have changed; it’s not just a bad dream
Accepting that new life must be forged because old life has changed
Taking charge of your life
Taking the bitter with the sweet

6. Denial: Does it pay to forget?
Upside of denial
Helps you get through rough times until you know you can accept change
Protects you from too much sadness
Downside of denial
Can’t pretend it never happened to you
Too many daily reminders

7. Coping with reality offers options for growth
Sadness in admitting change but openness to new experiences
Making connections with other survivors
stroke clubs, support groups
Finding ways to be productive
volunteering

8. Why did this happen to me?
Finding meaning as a way of coping
What is the message?
Switch paths
second chance
Unique to each person due to individual life experiences
Important to search for positive meaning of stroke in long run

9. Who am I now? Stroke causes changes in self-concept
Initially, much energy may be devoted to being a “stroke survivor”
Not good to be a “stroke victim”
Over time, it may matter less
Positive identity of stroke survivor can be source of pride, badge of courage
Slow process

10. Long-term Self Motivation
How to keep working at improving once the therapy stops
Recognize no right way and no fast way to do it
Celebrate progress, no matter how small
Look backwards to chart progress
Recognize that in stroke recovery, like in life, that there is no finish line
It’s the race itself that matters!
Make survival a way of life!

11. So what’s the key to surviving and thriving?
What’s the one thing that will make it all better?
What’s the magic pill to make it all go away?

12. Look within . . . Successful stroke survivors say
Never give up
Just do it
Believe in yourself
Keep your sense of humor
Balance between acceptance of changes and desire to improve
Get on with life