Mental health is an important dimension of stroke recovery. Depression is a common occurrence after a stroke, and its treatment is considered a vital element of recovery, as depression can rob people of the motivation to participate in rehabilitation programs. In addition, depression destroys adaptability, a trait important for learning to cope with any impairments. Post-stroke depression (PSD) may be a direct consequence of brain injury as well as a reaction to the life changes it brings about.
PSD may benefit from a course of psychotherapy. In addition, informal programs of social support prove to be helpful to those with PSD—and all others. Both local and online stroke recovery support groups exist, and in addition to providing human connection and emotional support, they can be valuable sources of recovery information and motivation.
Just as physical movement and exercise are important in relieving any-cause depression, they are vital in post-stroke depression. Further, the movement that alleviates depression additionally benefits recovery of function after a stroke.