Friend had a stroke…very depressed…anyone have any ideas to help her?

2 weeks before my friends 26th birthday, she suffered a MASSIVE brainstem stroke. After 3 months in the hospital, she came out, unable to walk or speak clearly, but 100% the same person inside. She is doing much better as far as talking and moving (she is paralized on her right side), but she is severely depressed. The hospital had her on anti-depressents, but took her off of them, and according to her mother she doesn’t feel like her speech is good enough to go to therapy (the therapy and meds were my suggestion). I feel horrible for her, obviously for what happened, but mostly for the fact that I absolutely cannot fathom not being able to walk freely, or say what is on her mind. It is heartbreaking. So my question is…..what can I do to help her feel better about herself? When she is not in physical therapy, she sits on a recliner and watches TV. Her mom is single and has to work long hours and all of her friends have jobs and school, etc. Please help me think of something….

I am curious what caused the stroke. I have brain stem based TIAs caused by APS. It frustration as heck not to be able to get words out or find them.

Well, I think she needs to get into PT and OT. She may not be able to talk again with her voice but she may get some sort of communication board or computer voice thing going so she is able to communicate. The computer may be a way to communicate for now. Open a word document and let her type what she wants to say. Reading a book, doing a crossword puzzle or word find. Things that exercise the brain.

I would also talk to her mom about pushing to get back on the antidepressants. Strokes can cause depression from a chemical imbalance and then sitting around and not being able to do anything is just adding to the depression.

Maybe to range of motion exercises with her. Recognize small progresses.

Thank you for being a good friend to her. Please talk to her mom about therapy and antidepressants. Maybe a home CNA needs to come in to work with her?

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