Self management
- Suzanne Walsh, Stroke Advanced Nurse Practitioner
- 4 minute read
- Last updated: October 2023
It is normal to feel vulnerable and overwhelmed when you return home after a stroke. You may be dealing with physical, mental and emotional effects, and your life can feel very different than before.
Self-management after a stroke can be challenging, but it is vital for your recovery. It can help you get your independence back, improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of further complications.
What is self-management?
Self-management refers to the things that you do to help your recovery and get your independence back. It includes daily activities, such as exercising and dealing with your medications, and general strategies, such as being kind to yourself and practising mindfulness.
You will be taught self-management techniques during your stroke rehabilitation sessions. Rehab helps you get back skills that you may have lost, and it is tailored to your specific needs. For example, your stroke rehab team may include a physiotherapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist. They will help you find ways to adapt to your new circumstances and recover well at home.
Managing physical effects
After a stroke, you may have problems with balance and coordination. You might also have weakness or paralysis in parts of your body, vision issues, trouble swallowing and communication difficulties.
Rehab exercises
It is important to follow the guidance of your stroke rehab team as you try to recover the abilities you have lost. Make sure to follow the exercise plan that they have given you. This will also help increase your stamina, making it easier for you to do everyday tasks. It can also boost your mood and enhance your overall health.
Manage medications
You may be prescribed medications to control your blood pressure, reduce blood clot risks or manage underlying conditions. Take them as directed to support your physical recovery and reduce the risk of another stroke. Give yourself the best chance of success by keeping to a medication schedule. Use pill organisers if necessary, and tell your stroke team about any side effects you notice.
Make healthy choices
Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, keeping active and maintaining a healthy weight can all help your recovery. If you smoke, quitting can greatly reduce your risk of having another stroke.
Keep checking in
Have regular check-ins with your GP and stroke team. This will allow them to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
Managing mental and emotional changes
Mental and emotional changes are common after a stroke. You might find it difficult to concentrate or have problems remembering or communicating. Many people feel depressed or anxious. Your moods may change quickly – you can find yourself laughing or crying at inappropriate times. However, there are things that you can do to help yourself cope.
Memory issues
If you are having memory problems, then make things as easy as possible for yourself. Use calendars and planners to help you remember upcoming appointments and events, and create a list of the things you need to do every day. Put these memory aids in a highly visible place, such as on the door of the fridge, or have them on your smartphone.
Dealing with your feelings
The emotional impact of a stroke can feel overwhelming. You might feel like you have lost your independence or feel cut off from your usual social outlets. Talk to your friends and family about what you are going through, and think about joining a support group where you can meet people in similar circumstances. Just speaking about your situation can bring great relief.
Depression and anxiety
Post-stroke depression is quite common. You may have feelings of sadness and hopelessness and lose interest in things you used to enjoy. Many stroke survivors also experience anxiety. This can range from general anxiety to anxiety that is focused on specific fears, such as having another stroke or becoming dependent on others.
If your depression or anxiety lasts for two weeks or more, see your GP (family doctor). They may recommend therapy or counselling. (Therapy or counselling may also help you control emotional outbursts or inappropriate emotions). In other cases, they will prescribe medication that can help.
Reduce stress
High levels of stress can negatively affect both your physical and emotional well-being. Try stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises or meditation.
Be patient
Accepting that your life has changed is key to emotional self-management. Recovery can happen gradually, and adjusting to your new circumstances will take time. Be patient with yourself and have realistic expectations.
