8) Adjusting to change

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It is normal to have an emotional reaction to any trauma or loss. Many people describe feeling as though they are on an emotional roller coaster following a stroke – they may feel out of control and emotions and responses fluctuate.
It takes time to take in what having had a stroke means and everyone copes with this differently.
It’s good to recognise why you may react or feel a certain way and this may be part of the normal process of reacting to this.
Try to ensure the more positive things you have identified are your first choices in future situations.
Reflect on your journey, how things have changed but also where you want to see yourself in the future.
Let go of what you used to be and embrace who you are now. Talking and sharing about how you are feeling can be good.

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  • Trauma or loss – for instance having a stroke, It is normal to have an emotional reaction to trauma, it is important to acknowledge these reactions do occur and can make emotions fluctuate
  • Anger – often an angry reaction when acknowledging there is a problem. Can be as obvious as saying ‘why me?’ but it may be expressed in many ways such as frustration with family members. You may also have feelings of denial and disbelief
  • Low mood “what is the point?” – thinking about what has happened, realising loss of who you used to be, this can cause irrational or distorted thinking and feelings of worthlessness. Feeling what is the point if you cannot do things you were doing before. Sadness is a normal reaction to a traumatic event.
  • Fear / Anxiety – often the anxiety a person feels is literally about the stroke happening again but more often it is just feeling less sure of oneself in situations, particularly social situations and meeting people
  • Letting go – what your life was like before and starting to adjust, life may be calmer and realising there can be pleasure in doing things in a different way
  • Experimenting – thinking about realistic solutions to problems, being a new you, thinking on how things have changed but also how they can be in the future
  • Adjusting – learning to deal with reality and feeling ok with where your life is now
  • Flourishing – embracing a new you and a new life by moving on to new things.

    • Key point:

    Recovery is gradual, by setting small goals or challenges and going through these stages you can achieve it – this can help to keep you positive, think of something you have achieved in the past, reflect on the path you took to get there and remember “you can do it” .