We asked the people we interviewed what advice they would give to other people who have had a stroke. Here is what they said.

Your recovery

Many people talked about the importance of determination, perseverance, and patience in both physical and mental aspects of recovery. On the physical side, keeping up with physiotherapy and doing exercises on one's own were emphasised. At the same time, it was suggested that it is important to recognise personal limitations by balancing activity and exercise with rest. On the mental side, positive thinking, and goal setting were thought be to be helpful during the recovery process.

It's up to you to fight it and to help yourself.

You have to be motivated to recover and find ways to occupy your life.

Try to do as much as you can for yourself and don't rely on other people or you'll lose your independence.

It's important to have something to look forward to and to set yourself goals to work towards, no matter how slowly.

Take the tablets and do what the health professionals advise because they wouldn't be telling you if it wasn't worth knowing.

Being realistic

The importance of setting reasonable goals and making the best of the situation was emphasised.
 

Gavin talks about fighting to recover versus acceptance.

Individuals suggested that is helpful to get in touch with other people who have had a stroke such as through a support group. Individuals felt that it was important and helpful to communicate with other people who have had the same problem.  Being proactive by seeking help and care in the community was encouraged.
 

Get in touch with the Stroke Association for good information. It's good to meet other people who have had a stroke but avoid people who make you feel worse.

 

Approach to life

Many individuals talked about the importance of self-efficacy (believing in yourself), accepting the condition but also being determined to improve and get stronger. Having a positive outlook as much as possible was encouraged.

Live life and smile a lot and be happy.

Developing new interests and keeping in contact with friends was encouraged.

 

Never give up. Keep in contact with friends and others, develop new interests in new areas.

Don't give into it, fight it and it will get better and you can have a decent living.

 

Don't lose hope, build up strength, take an interest in life.
 
 

Don't worry and try and carry on as normal as possible and think positively.

 

Last reviewed August 2011.

Last updated August 2011.