Hello all

[Guest_029]

Am 56 years of age, have had a couple of strokes that affect you in different ways, mental health problems do exist and wish to start a topic on

stroke, where people can feel comfortable to share.

[Doolhof]

Hi Hommer,

Welcome to the forums. I've not had a stroke but a dear girlfriend of mine had one at 40. I've also worked in Aged Care and met a few lovely people there who had suffered from strokes.

Depression and mental health issues on the other hand are things that I do suffer from and understand.

If you don't mind me asking you Hommer, how has your stroke affected you? Was it a severe stroke or a mild one if there is such a thing! I do realise strokes can affect people in many different ways.

A girl friend's husband had a stroke. For some reason he can only see food on one half of his plate. My friend has to turn his plate around each meal time so he can eat the rest of his food.

Once again if you don't mind me asking, did you have mental health issues before the stroke, or did they develop after due to the state you may now find yourself in? If your mental health declined after I can certainly understand that.

Like I mentioned, I've not had a stroke, I do have back issues that prevent me from doing things I used to do. I also have other health conditions that prevented us from having children. In my own way I know what it is like for your body to no longer work how it is expected to.

My circumstances are certainly different to a stroke though. I hope others join in the conversation, especially those who have been effected by a stroke or maybe their loved one has been.

Wishing you all the best Hommer.

Cheers from Mrs. D.

[Guest_029]

Thank you for reply Doolhofs

The first was major and the second mild and was unaware of any mental illness before them. Am starting a thread under the topic of trauma and will see how that goes, of which you don`t have to have had a stroke to understand. A nurse told me of her mother that had a stroke and the only way they could communicate was by singing, at least they could communicate.

[geoff]

hello Hommer, I am so sorry for you but yes after having a stroke, then it's going to affect you mentally, because unfortunately you may not be able to do the things you loved to do, so this is going to annoy you, and rightly so.
I visit an elderly chap each week, he had a stroke a couple of years ago, but he was lucky, because he can still talk, he swims three times a week, which he loves doing and is able to play golf, twice a week, although now he doesn't play as well as he used to, which frustrates him, but as I say he was one of the fortunate people.
It has made a difference to him mentally though, as he believes he is always correct, and doesn't get on with his only daughter, who has no sympathy for whatever he does.
He used to have an immaculate garden when his wife was alive, but his stroke happened after she passed away and now he has no interest in maintaining it.
By having a stroke is going to change your life, physically and mentally. Geoff.

[Guest_029]

Hi geoff

Used to be a plumber for 30 odd years and had to give it away because of physical and mental issues, which I

accepted as some people don`t, my speech is affected, but am still understandable. Was a reasonable golfer and now miss the ball, so sold my clubs and took up bowls. Having a simple interest helps both physically and mentally, maybe growing vegetables might help your friend. Lifeline got to know my voice and said give us a ring anytime you need to talk, getting things of my chest helped a lot.

[Doolhof]

Hi Hommer,

It is certainly beneficial if we can find activities that are within our capability and that give us a sense of achievement, joining in or what ever it is that we need to help make us feel better.

My husband and I joined an indoor carpet bowling team. I can no longer bowl due to my back injury, so I still attend and cheer everyone on. When we have a home game I am the supper lady and look after the food and drinks.

Becoming depressed after a life altering event is understandable. I'm sorry you were unable to find a support group. Life line and places like Beyondblue are invaluable aren't they! I know I have called a few times.

I did see your other thread Hommer, you seem to be needing acknowledgement, validation and people to maybe accept you for who you are. I understand that Hommer. Hopefully you will find a sense of acceptance and understanding here.

Cheers to you from Doolhofs.

[Guest_029]

Hi Doolhol`s

Yes, you are probably right about validation, I feel that I was let down by an organisation that in my opinion is missing a soul. This is still on going and do not wish to elaborate on further, weather I am using this forum to prove to myself that there is a soul, I don`t know.

[Doolhof]

Dear Hommer,

No one should have to go through any experience without the help and aid they need and deserve. Unfortunately that does not always happen.

There have been incidents in my life with health professionals that I would rather had never taken place. Other providers have gone out of their way at times.

I had a friend who worked in a children's hospital as a nurse. She told me after a few years she saw so many children die that it became "part of the job". One day she woke up and realised how she was just accepting the deaths and no longer feeling them nor able to show compassion to the grieving parents.

Maybe the organisation you were in contact with had staff who have forgotten that the people they are dealing with are real people!

Many people here have souls Hommer that care! Hope you are able to accept and believe you are included here!

Cheers to you from Mrs. D.

[Guest_029]

This will my last post for awhile as there are good people here and they shouldn`t be used, I am probably no better than the organisation I`m pursuing. When and if, a result is obtained, will let people know.

[Doolhof]

Hi Hommer,

If by chance you read this, I hope that nothing I wrote has upset you.

I don't feel in any way that you have used anyone on this forum Hommer, you have been seeking support and understanding, that is what this forum is for.

Please know you are always welcome here.

Cheers for now from Mrs. D.