ModuleDraft

Post-stroke depression (survivor) — identity, motivation, and getting back to life

Survivor-facing module on post-stroke depression and identity: what’s common, why it’s not weakness, small-step routines, how to ask for help, and safety red flags.

Recovery & RehabSurvivorIntro14 minPlain (6–8)

Educational only

Educational only — not medical advice. If you feel unsafe or have thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent help in your region.

Get help now

If you feel you may hurt yourself or someone else, or you are in immediate danger: call your local emergency number (or local crisis line) now. You deserve urgent support.

Key takeaways

  • Understand that depression after stroke is common and treatable
  • Build a tiny routine for motivation on low-energy days
  • Know how to ask for help and when it’s urgent

What’s common after stroke

  • Sadness
  • Numbness
  • Irritability
  • Loss of interest

It’s not weakness

  • Brain changes
  • Stress + grief
  • Body fatigue

Tiny routine (10 minutes)

  • Get light/water
  • One small task
  • One connection
  • Rest

How to ask for help

  • Tell a clinician
  • Bring 3 examples
  • Ask about therapy/med options

Identity + meaning

  • Values list
  • Small wins
  • Gentle goals

Safety red flags

  • Self-harm thoughts
  • Not sleeping for days
  • Cannot eat/drink

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. Depression after stroke is:

Question 2

2. A helpful low-energy routine step is:

Question 3

3. A safety red flag is:

Question 4

4. If you need help, a good next step is:

References

  1. National Institute of Mental Health
    Depression
  2. American Stroke Association
    Emotional changes and depression after stroke
  3. AHA/ASA2017
    Poststroke Depression Statement