In fact, one third to one half of all stroke survivors become depressed within several months of a their stroke. The highest risk for depression is in the first two years. Depression is common, but don't accept it as normal. It's understandable to be sad after a stroke, just as you might be over any loss. But this sadness should begin to go away soon.
Depression is more than sadness - it's a mood disorder.
If it continues, your doctor can diagnose and treat it. The clinical diagnosis of depression is made by your doctor or healthcare professional. This is the natural feeling of sadness and sorrow that may follow a stroke. Your brain attack may have dramatically changed your life. You may feel sad about lost abilities and may grieve as you would over the loss of a friendship or death of a relative.