Stress & Worry after stroke
Date issued: August 2022
For review: August 2024
Ref: C-397/DN/Ward/Stress & worry after a stroke v2
PDF: Stress and worry after a stroke [pdf] 351KB
What is stress/worry?
Feeling worried or stressed are a very common feelings after a stroke. Nearly 1 in 4 people will feel very worried or stressed in the first year after they have had a stroke.
Having a stroke can sometimes make you think about what the future will be like and maybe worry about what might be different. This would be a very stressful situation for anyone, and feeling worried after stroke is a completely normal feeling.
All people experience some level of stress and worry at some point in their life. But, if your worry is having an impact on your life and your happiness, then getting some support might be helpful. Sometimes worry/stress is called ‘anxiety’ by some professionals.
People with worry often:
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Have thoughts racing around in their head.
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Have difficulty sitting still and relaxing.
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Have difficulty sleeping and eating.
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Feel like they can’t breathe properly and/or that their heart is beating too fast.
What can I do to feel better?
Breathing Techniques
If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed with negative emotions, you could try using breathing techniques to help reduce physical sensations caused by worry such as, a fast heart rate or a nervous stomach. Take a breath in for 4 seconds (through the nose if possible). Hold the breath for 2 seconds. Release the breath taking 6 seconds (through the nose if possible), then pause slightly before breathing in again.
*If you have any pre-existing respiratory problems then please check with nursing staff before trying this breathing technique
Mindfulness
If your mind is racing with worrying thoughts, mindfulness can help to centre you in the present moment and distract you. Try shutting your eyes or focussing on something and relax your shoulders. Imagine you are sitting by a stream, as leaves float down the stream, place any thoughts or images on the leaf and watch them float down the stream, if they come back again then place them back on the leaf. Or, try noticing 5 things around you that you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can touch, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste. Really notice these senses. Practise practise!
How we will try to help you if you are feeling low:
Talk to us:
Although the ward can sometimes be a busy place, all staff on ASU are here to listen if you ever feel like talking about how you are feeling. Help us to understand if there is something specific that is making you stressed or worried, and we will try to help.
Whilst you are on ASU, we are looking after all aspects of your physical health and mental health.
Medication:
There are medications to help people who feel very stressed/worried. If you are interested in this, speak to your nurse or doctor and they will give you advice.
Psychology:
If you are feeling very stressed/worried most days, then a member of our psychology team can offer some time to sit and speak with you. Please let the ASU staff know if you would like to see a member of the psychology team.
At Home
Many people who have had a stroke experience feelings of intense worry and stress.
If this is still the case when you are home, then it is important to discuss this with your GP.
Useful information
NHS Choices:
The Stroke Association:
Tel: 01752 664553
Different Strokes:
