As for day-to-day practical tips, finding strategies that work for you is essential. It's taken me a while to discover what helps me manage anxiety effectively and maintain balance in my life, which is important to keep in mind when going through some of these examples and my experience that I'm sharing today!
Finding Calm Amid the Storm
Finding calm amid the storm: strategies for combating stroke-induced anxiety and overwhelm. Let's begin by acknowledging that anxiety and overwhelm are common challenges after a stroke. "In fact, if you don't experience anxiety, overwhelm, or even depression during your initial recovery, consider yourself one of the lucky few."
The Unique Journey of Stroke Recovery
Indeed, every aspect of a stroke is different – the recovery process, the individual experiences, and the strokes themselves. As someone who has journeyed from being wheelchair-bound to walking again, I wish to share my personal insights and strategies for navigating these turbulent emotions.
Recognizing Hidden Anxiety
The first step is recognizing that you might be more anxious than you realize. Even without an official diagnosis of anxiety, it's common to feel on edge after a stroke. With so many things to manage and no clear instructions on how to do them, it's no wonder that anxiety levels can spike.
Navigating Post-Stroke Overwhelm
"The impact of anxiety on recovery is significant. Initially, I believed I could recover quickly but soon discovered that was not the case."
Both physical and emotional healing are necessary elements of the recovery process. Anxiety may hinder progress, but understanding and accepting this reality can help manage those overwhelming feelings.
Image Suggestion: An image of a person balancing stones, symbolizing the delicate balance of managing anxiety in recovery.
The Path to Independence
Returning to normal life and eager to regain my footing, I've embarked on a long, slow journey toward independence. While some people recover more rapidly for various reasons, every brain is unique; each rewiring process follows its own path.
Building a Support System
- My support system has been critical in every aspect, even as I've struggled with anxiety.
- Adjusting to the slower pace of my wife and family has proven frustrating, yet engaging in various activities has contributed to reducing my anxiety.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Lastly, mindfulness and meditation have transformed my life and reduced my anxiety. "Personally, I appreciate the Calm app; though I have no affiliation with it, I believe it offers valuable support for those on their recovery journey."
I find it to be a good match for me personally because it's straightforward to the point and it cuts out a lot of the fluff and some things I just don't enjoy that are part of some other meditation apps. I always do the daily 10 minute one to get me reentered and focused and then some days I do an additional one or two depending on my mood and state of mind I just can't say enough great things about it, and the voice of Tamara Leavitt, is really enjoyable and encouraging which is something I never thought I'd say at all and especially in a meditation app recommendation!
Physical Activity as a Tool
Physical activity has been a valuable tool for overall fitness and managing anxiety. Pounding weights and hitting the pavement provide physical exertion that doesn't allow me to think about anxiety-inducing things.
I started getting back into the gym about a year and change after my stroke, and over the last 16 months, I found my way into running after hating it my entire life and really finding both enjoyment and the health benefits for me have been surprisingly rewarding an amazing!
Really kicking my recovery into another gear in year 3 and 4, which, if I'm being honest, still blows my mind how far I've come in that time, considering I spent all of 2020 in a wheelchair due to paralysis from my stroke!
Professional Help and Practical Tips
In terms of professional help, understanding when you need more assistance is crucial. Routine and structure in daily life are helpful for stroke survivors, reducing mental rigor.
Embracing Change and Openness
Continually building and striving to eliminate unhelpful habits is crucial. Being patient and understanding with oneself is also vital, as some things require more time. By persisting in our efforts, we can eventually connect the dots in unexpected ways.
Something to keep in mind is that I've been working to rebuild my routines since my stroke in December 2019, and sometimes they change, and they're definitely constantly evolving! However, I've learned to embrace new things and maintain an open mind. We've discussed this quite a bit: keeping an open mind can lead to unexpected success. You never know what might end up working, so it's essential to consider all possibilities.
Continually building and striving to eliminate unhelpful habits is crucial. Being patient and understanding with oneself is also vital, as some things require more time. By persisting in our efforts, we can eventually connect the dots in unexpected ways. Ultimately, putting in the work helps build a better version of ourselves.
So those are some thoughts on anxiety and overwhelm. Remember, you're not alone. If you have questions or need support, feel free to reach out by emailing me at will@survivorscience.com or connecting with other members in our community.
