ModuleDraft

Post-stroke depression (friends/family) — how to show up without saying the wrong thing

Friends/family module: what PSD/identity changes can look like, supportive language, concrete offers of help, and safety escalation guidance.

Cross-cuttingEveryoneIntro10 minPlain (6–8)

Educational only

Educational only — for urgent safety concerns, seek immediate 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

  • Understand what PSD/identity change can look like
  • Use supportive language and avoid common harms
  • Offer concrete help and know safety escalation steps

What you might notice

  • Withdrawal
  • Irritability
  • Hopeless talk
  • Fatigue

What to say (better)

  • ‘I’m here with you.’
  • ‘Do you want company or help with a task?’

What to avoid

  • ‘At least…’
  • ‘Be positive’
  • Giving advice too fast

Concrete help offers

  • Ride to appointment
  • Meal drop-off
  • Short walk
  • Paperwork buddy

Safety escalation

  • Ask directly about self-harm
  • Call local emergency/crisis resources if imminent

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 supportive phrase is:

Question 2

2. A helpful offer of help is:

Question 3

3. One thing to avoid is:

Question 4

4. If there is imminent self-harm risk, you should:

References

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