The Mood Cycle
Updated May 30, 2014.
For years, mood has been believed to have a causative effect on the occurrence of a stroke. But while casual statements such as “You are going to give me a stroke,” or “He was so distraught after getting fired from his job that he had a stroke,” may sound like mythical old wives’ tales, there appears be scientific support to the age old notion that mood can have an effect on stroke.
Research studies that have evaluated stroke patients have suggested that depression, stress and loneliness may truly be real risk factors for the occurrence of stroke. In addition to mood’s causative effect on stroke- strokes also have an effect on mood. A stroke can induce changes in the mood of a stroke survivor, and it is can be very difficult to unravel the chicken or egg question of mood disturbances in stroke survivors.
People who are prone to anxiety, irritability, stress, agitation, depression and hopelessness are not only more prone to stroke- research has demonstrated that those with negative moods may even experience a worsened overall stroke recovery compared to those who have more neutral or positive moods. Additionally, scientific research suggests that those who are more optimistic, resilient and have the benefit of stronger social support networks tend to experience better recovery with improved ability to attain the skills needed to handle regular activities of daily living.
On the other hand, a stroke can also have an effect on mood. Some stroke survivors become agitated, angry, depressed or hopeless after a stroke. The effect that a stroke has on the brain itself can contribute to mood changes in some stroke victims. And, of course, disability and health fears contribute to anxiety and depression after a stroke. Some people may become depressed and agitated a few months after a stroke if recovery takes longer than expected or seems to hit a wall. Few stroke survivors, on the other hand, actually begin to display more optimism and a pleasant or happier demeanor after a stroke. This can result from the neurochemical and anatomical brain changes caused by a stroke or from a different outlook on life.
Moods and personality characteristics can have a dramatic impact on family and social relationships before and after a stroke. While strong social relationships are found to have a positive impact on stroke recovery- it is also more likely that people who had pleasant personalities are more likely to have built strong relationships prior to a stroke. Those who have strong interpersonal relationships in place are more likely to benefit from encouragement and support after a stroke. Clearly, the cycle created by a positive or negative personality can be difficult to break.
There is certainly a strong interrelationship between a stroke and mood- both before and after a stroke. Therefore, after a stroke, breaking negative interpersonal habits may become a vital priority that can help recovery. Fortunately, while some personality traits are certainty inborn and then deep-rooted through lifelong habits, even long-term habits can be changed.
Depressive types of moods or anxious types of moods can be treated with coping methods or counseling. Experienced therapists can help guide recovery and help with advice and tailored approaches for improvement of mood problems such as depression, sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, anger, stress, and irritability. Often, when mood issues are particularly difficult to break, medication can be effective, even if only temporarily.
A stroke may trigger mood changes or it may trigger the realization that a long-term mood problem needs proper evaluation and treatment. Mood disorders can be treated and well managed at any age and it is never too late to develop positive coping habits.
Stroke and mood - a cycle
For years, mood has been believed to have a causative effect on the occurrence of a stroke. But while casual statements such as “You are going to give me a stroke,” or “He was so distraught after getting fired from his job that he had a stroke,” may sound like mythical old wives’ tales, there appears be scientific support to the age old notion that mood can have an effect on stroke.
Research studies that have evaluated stroke patients have suggested that depression, stress and loneliness may truly be real risk factors for the occurrence of stroke. In addition to mood’s causative effect on stroke- strokes also have an effect on mood. A stroke can induce changes in the mood of a stroke survivor, and it is can be very difficult to unravel the chicken or egg question of mood disturbances in stroke survivors.
People who are prone to anxiety, irritability, stress, agitation, depression and hopelessness are not only more prone to stroke- research has demonstrated that those with negative moods may even experience a worsened overall stroke recovery compared to those who have more neutral or positive moods. Additionally, scientific research suggests that those who are more optimistic, resilient and have the benefit of stronger social support networks tend to experience better recovery with improved ability to attain the skills needed to handle regular activities of daily living.
On the other hand, a stroke can also have an effect on mood. Some stroke survivors become agitated, angry, depressed or hopeless after a stroke. The effect that a stroke has on the brain itself can contribute to mood changes in some stroke victims. And, of course, disability and health fears contribute to anxiety and depression after a stroke. Some people may become depressed and agitated a few months after a stroke if recovery takes longer than expected or seems to hit a wall. Few stroke survivors, on the other hand, actually begin to display more optimism and a pleasant or happier demeanor after a stroke. This can result from the neurochemical and anatomical brain changes caused by a stroke or from a different outlook on life.
Moods and personality characteristics can have a dramatic impact on family and social relationships before and after a stroke. While strong social relationships are found to have a positive impact on stroke recovery- it is also more likely that people who had pleasant personalities are more likely to have built strong relationships prior to a stroke. Those who have strong interpersonal relationships in place are more likely to benefit from encouragement and support after a stroke. Clearly, the cycle created by a positive or negative personality can be difficult to break.
There is certainly a strong interrelationship between a stroke and mood- both before and after a stroke. Therefore, after a stroke, breaking negative interpersonal habits may become a vital priority that can help recovery. Fortunately, while some personality traits are certainty inborn and then deep-rooted through lifelong habits, even long-term habits can be changed.
Depressive types of moods or anxious types of moods can be treated with coping methods or counseling. Experienced therapists can help guide recovery and help with advice and tailored approaches for improvement of mood problems such as depression, sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, anger, stress, and irritability. Often, when mood issues are particularly difficult to break, medication can be effective, even if only temporarily.
A stroke may trigger mood changes or it may trigger the realization that a long-term mood problem needs proper evaluation and treatment. Mood disorders can be treated and well managed at any age and it is never too late to develop positive coping habits.
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