Fit & Proper: Ten ways to cope with a stroke

A stroke can be a life-altering event, but it is in your hands to let go of the trauma. Feeling dejected, not being able to meet career goals, experiencing a not-so-happy family life, not being able to pursue a sport - the disappointments can make it an emotional rollercoaster. Here are some ways to put the incident behind you:

Find ways to manage stress: Sign up for a yoga class or a a stress management course, meditate, join the laughter club, do deep-breathing exercises, go for a walk - anything that helps you stay calm.

Don't slacken on the diet: Keep sugary, fatty and caffeine-rich foods at bay. A diet rich in nutrients and high on fibre is the best. Switch to a wholegrain diet and lean meats. Cut down on sodium and limit alcohol intake. Fresh fruit and vegetables with fish twice a week are a win-win.

Embrace your emotions: A big part of recovering involves dealing with feelings of frustration, anger, guilt, shock and hopelessness because the ailment can severely affect the part of the brain that deals with emotions. It doesn't help if the patient continues to bottle up his/her feelings. "Venting out" to a counsellor, a friend or a family member can go a long way in averting a more serious mental or physical ailment. It helps to be aware of red-flag symptoms: high blood pressure, increased heart rate, sleeplessness, loss of appetite/overeating, stomach pain, indigestion, headache, sleeplessness or changes in sleeping patterns, palpitation, sweating, allergies, muscular aches and pains, shortness of breath, fatigue and tightness in the chest.

Be regular with your appointments: Don't miss out on scheduled follow-up with the cardiologist. Ask your caregiver to maintain a record of your medication along with any supplement you might have been prescribed so the doctor can refer to this "health journal" to see how you're progressing.

Dispel the doubts: Stroke victims often struggle with simple everyday activities such as driving, shopping, reading, interacting and household chores. The first step to finding stability is to consult your doctor regarding questions like when you can resume your job, by when you can get back to work out and so on.

Balu Pitchiah
Consultant psychiatrist, ePsyClinic.com