My Dad recently had a stroke and he has been depressed that?

Question

this happened to him. I try to encourage that things will get better and with physical therapy things could. My Dad has had a negative outlook on things before the stroke and since the stroke it has gotten worse. He has been getting mad at hospital staff. (mean to them.He tells them you don't know what I want so leave. Here's my question When I go to visit he says why are you so happy I say I 'm not I amtrying to be upbeat for you Dad. He said don't be. I find it hard to visit for hours at a time. I keep telling him I love him and hold his hand. He says you don't really want to hold my hand. I said yes I do. Why would he doubt my love for him any suggestions on this? Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Hi
I'm a speech pathologist with 12 years experience specializing in adults with neurological impairments. I wanted you to know that very often depression can be a part of the damage caused by the stroke. Depending on the area of the brain that was affected this may be one of the reasons your Dad is struggling with his emotions. The frontal lobe houses the personality centers and if his infarct occured near that area this makes it likely that he will have emotional issues as a result. In addition, he is also dealing with a major illness and possibly a near-death experience. To make it worse, he may have speech deficits that make it difficult for her to express her emotions verbally. With all that in mind, its no wonder he is depressed.

Your father may benefit from antidepressants but be aware of a couple of things. First, many of these drugs require several weeks to reach therapeutic levels in the blood. Second, there are many different medications to choose from and Prozac may not be the right choice for her. I would recommend you go to a psychopharmacologist, a psychiatrist or a neurologist with experience with stroke patients. Check your local rehab hospital for suggestions. Many general doctors prescribe antidepressants without knowing all the latest options.

Now, what else can you do to help? Isn't he lucky to have someone asking that? Just having companionship is important and you are certainly a dedicated daughter. But I know you are looking for more practical suggestions. Maybe you can try to see it from his perspective. His world is turned upside-down and he wants people to realize the gravity of the situation. Maybe trying to match his mood would help. There is a psychological technique, I believe its called mirroring, where you sit and feed back what you are receiving. This is supposed to help neutralize and defuse the situation.

I hope you can start to visit your father without taking his moods personally. They are really related to his feelings and not about you. Perhaps you may need some counseling to help you cope with these changes. Very often there are social workers available in hospitals who can offer you some support.

I hope some of these suggestions are helpful.

Best of luck to you both.

Answer 2

You need to talk to the doctor, and tell him your Dad is depressed and maybe he could use a therapist or something. You did not say how old you are or if Mom or a significant other is in the picture for your Dad. Are you on the list for your Dad's doctor to talk to you. Do you usually have a good relationship with your Dad, or is it still DAD AND KID.He is not doubting your love not really. My Dad died three years ago, and he only pushed away the ones he knew he would not loose. That is probably the only reason he says these things to him. Try this Dad I love you, and you know it. We will get through this, yes we because I will always be here for you no matter how much you push me away.That is all there is to it I love you, and I will always love you. Try this say it like you mean it, don't be wishy washy say it as if you are stating a fact be firm. I t couldn't hurt. Lots of luck I will be thinking of you

Answer 3

Strokes damage parts of the brain. And apparently your dad was already suffering from depression, so the stroke made it worse.

I agree that an anti-depressant might help. In any case, it's not anything you are doing at all: The problem is in him.

Good luck, and prayers are with you.

Answer 4

your Dad needs to see a Dr for depression by the sounds of things=it's amazing what an antidepressant can do for a person=once you convince him to do this he will be happier anyway and who knows ,he might tell that Dr what is really bugging him