Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
Stroke: Changes in Emotions
Stroke: Changes in Emotions
Overview
After a stroke, some people feel like they have lost control of their emotions. These feelings can come from one or both of two causes.
A stroke can affect parts of the brain that control how you feel. You may have emotional reactions that are different from your normal ones. For example, you may have fits of crying or laughing that are out of your control.
Also, a stroke can leave you with upsetting body changes that take away some of your independence. For example, some people may feel:
- Sad or angry about the loss of the lifestyle they had before.
- Isolated by speech and language problems.
- Frustrated by the slow pace of recovery.
- Worried about the future.
These feelings are normal and expected. But if you think you might be depressed, tell your doctor right away. The sooner you know if you are depressed, the sooner you can get treatment.
Dealing with your emotions
To deal with your emotions:
- Be easy on yourself. Let go of mistakes.
- Give yourself credit for the progress you have made.
- Make time for things that you enjoy.
- Join a stroke support group. Your rehab team or local hospital can help you find one.
Current as of: December 19, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Richard D. Zorowitz MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation & Colin Chalk MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Related Links
Stroke
Stroke Rehabilitation
Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA)
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>