A stroke can have huge physical, emotional and practical implications on a survivor’s life. That single event which can take minutes will, for many survivors, have a lasting impact.
A recent survey from the Stroke Association laid bare the reality of more than 3,500 stroke survivors in the UK.
The research, published ahead of tomorrow’s World Stroke Day, is part of a renewed call for vital funds to help the charity give more survivors hope after their stroke as they rebuild their lives.
Survivors under 60
Just under a third (30 per cent) of survivors under 60 who responded to the survey said that their stroke directly led to them losing their job while six percent said that they lost their home because of it.
Almost a quarter of respondents said that they stroke had a detrimental impact on their relationship with a significant other while nine percent said that it led to their relationship ending.
Friendships are affected too, the survey revealed. A fifth (20 per cent) of respondents said that they lost friends as a result of their stroke.
Under 50s hit the hardest
The emotional impact of a stroke hits younger people even harder, the survey revealed.
Of those under the age of 50, 60 per cent said that they had never emotionally recovered from their stroke. This compares to 55 per cent of those aged 50 and above.
Hope and recovery
The research highlighted how important feeling hope is to recovery from stroke.
Three-quarters (76 per cent) of respondents said that hope played an important or critical role in their recovery.
However, it took many respondents a while to feel hopeful after their stroke.
A quarter (25 per cent) said that they felt hope within a month of recovery, but for more than a fifth of respondents (22 per cent) it took more than a year to experience the first signs of hope.
Sadly, 13 per cent of respondents said that they had never felt hope during their recovery.
Taking stock
The researched revealed the big and small events and actions that give people hope during their recovery.
When asked what gave them their first moment of hope after stroke, 17 per cent said it was being able to use their affected side for the first time while 11 percent said it was being able to speak again.
For 15 per cent of respondents, the first moment of hope came when they completed a small task, like making a cup of tea.
Perspective
For many of the respondents, their stroke gave them stock to re-evaluate what’s important in life.
More than half (56 per cent) said that their stroke made them appreciate their life more, 43 per cent said that they appreciated their family more and 41 per cent said of survivors said that their stroke made them realise the importance of staying healthy.
Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association said:
“Every five minutes, someone in the UK will have a stroke and in a flash, their life is changed. Two thirds of people who survive a stroke find themselves living with a disability.
The physical impact of a stroke is severe, but for many, the emotional aspects of coming to terms with having a stroke are just as significant.
“As the research makes clear, finding hope is a crucial part of the recovery process. Without it, recovery can seem impossible.
“At the Stroke Association, we support and help people to find this hope, and rebuild their lives.
“But with 1.3m people and rising in the UK now living with the effects of a stroke, our services have never been more stretched.
“We urgently require the support of the public to help us continue to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives.”
Find out more about the Hope After Stroke campaign and donate at the Stroke Association website.
