Co Down stroke survivor calls for better aftercare
More than 34,000 people in NI who have survived a stroke developed at least one mental health problem, according to the Stroke Association
A Co Down mother who suffered a stroke in her 20s has called for more support services for survivors.
Carla Thompson, from Bangor was just 28 when a stroke in 2016 left her with severe fatigue and emotional changes.
The Stroke Association say 93% of survivors across Northern Ireland are facing a battle with anxiety, depression, lack of confidence and even suicidal thoughts.
Their report, 'The Lived Experience of Stroke', also found over a quarter (30%) of people say they have not received enough emotional support to help rebuild their lives after stroke.
Carla (now 31), who is mum to Aimee-Kate (12), Lucy (7) and Myla (5), said:
“The long term effects of the stroke have been life-changing. I still have a lot of weakness on my left side and the fatigue and memory loss is awful. But one of the biggest effects is on my mental health – the fear and dread of it happening again and the sense of loss of your old life and anxiety about the future.
**_"Stroke changed my life overnight and 3 years on I’m still dealing with the impact that’s had on my wellbeing”_**
“Physically I probably look normal and people assume I am recovered but I want to scream “You don’t understand” because it’s a huge struggle for me, even to do simple tasks.
"I have to concentrate so hard and I’m exhausted. Simple things like going out for a meal with friends has become an ordeal. I’m anxious and self-conscious about how my swallow has been affected so I have to choose a meal which is easier to eat – not necessarily what I want – because I worry it will take me so much longer to finish my meal.
"Stroke changed my life overnight and 3 years on I’m still dealing with the impact that’s had on my wellbeing”.
As well as coping with the effects of stroke on her own life, Carla has also supported both her parents who also had strokes. She explains:
“Even though mum’s stroke was 10 years ago it still has a huge impact and like me, she worries terribly that it could happen again. Something as simple as waking up with a headache or a numb arm can make both of us terribly anxious that it’s all happening again”.
Carla’s dad Glenn Thompson passed away earlier this year following a series of strokes. He was just 60 years old.
“Dad was never the same after his stroke – he cried a lot and used to say “I’m useless, I’m useless” over and over and it was heart breaking. Dad definitely needed more support to cope with the emotional impact of his disability but there was nothing.
“It’s very scary to watch someone you love die of something you have survived but fear could happen again. Someone once said to me I probably have post-traumatic stress and it’s probably true.
"It’s hard to describe what it’s like to cope with the effects of stroke but I definitely think there should be more support and counselling for the huge emotional impact. It’s like a tidal wave which takes over your life, and in my case, effects the whole family. I’m grateful for the support of my friends and family and my children who keep me going every day”.
Ursula Ferguson, Head of Stroke Support for the Stroke Association, comments: “This report exposes the true devastation stroke can bring.
"These figures are extremely concerning and show a desperate need for support to cope with the hidden, and often overlooked, effects of stroke. Far too many lives have been destroyed by stroke. No-one should be left feeling anxious or isolated.
"The evidence highlights how important it is that families, friends and health professionals who support stroke survivors understand what it means to live with these ‘hidden effects’, ask how people are feeling, and provide appropriate emotional and psychological support.”
The Hidden Effects of Stroke report is part one of a four part series focusing on the Lived Experience of Stroke. For more information about the Lived Experience of Stroke – Hidden Effects report, visit www.stroke.org.uk/lived-experience-of-stroke-report.
- For more details of support available in your area, please contact the Stroke Association helpline on 0303 303 3100.
- If you’re struggling to cope, you can contact the Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch, where you can talk to a trained volunteer face to face.