ModuleDraft

Post-stroke depression (caregiver) — what to notice, what to say, what to do

Caregiver module for post-stroke depression/identity changes: signs to notice, de-shaming language, scripts for clinician visits, safety planning, and caregiver boundaries.

CaregiverCaregiverIntro14 minPlain (6–8)

Educational only

Educational only — not medical advice. For imminent safety concerns, seek urgent help in your region.

Get help now

If there is immediate danger or talk of self-harm: call your local emergency number (or local crisis line) now. If safe, stay with the person and remove access to weapons/large quantities of meds.

Key takeaways

  • Recognize common signs of post-stroke depression
  • Use de-shaming language and scripts
  • Know safety red flags and caregiver boundaries

What you might notice

  • Withdrawal
  • Irritability
  • Sleep/appetite changes
  • Hopeless talk

What to say (scripts)

  • ‘This is common after stroke—you're not weak.’
  • ‘Can we tell the clinician together?’

What to do

  • Track patterns
  • Schedule a check-in visit
  • Remove shame triggers

Safety planning

  • Ask directly about self-harm
  • Remove lethal means if possible
  • Know emergency numbers

Caregiver boundaries

  • You can’t do it alone
  • Ask for help
  • Rest plan

Practice check

What you’ll practice

These questions are untimed. After you answer all of them, you’ll see your score and a clear next lesson or reference step.

0 of 4 answered

Question 1

1. A common sign of post-stroke depression can be:

Question 2

2. A helpful script is:

Question 3

3. A safety red flag is:

Question 4

4. Caregiver boundaries mean:

References

  1. National Institute of Mental Health
    Depression
  2. National Institute on Aging
    Caregiving
  3. AHA/ASA2017
    Poststroke Depression Statement