The mental state of a stroke survivor is tenuous at best. At first I went through a period of denial. It’s hard to accept what is happening to yourself, and the feeling that you will wake up and find it was a dream or that there will be a miracle cure, was overwhelming.
Following denial came depression. That is best described as if I was in a dark hole with no way out. In my case, I was almost completely paralyzed without the ability to speak. Depression, anger, frustration and the overall feeling of helplessness, surrounded me.
This was my darkest period. As my mind started to lighten, I entered a period of discovery. As my abilities began to return, the cloud that inhibited my mental state and my recovery, began to lift. I found myself planning a future incorporating my disabilities.
In my case, I dug in my heels and hurried myself to therapies where I got stronger both physically and mentally.