A loss of emotional control is quite common, laughing and smiling one
moment and in tears and sobbing the next. Tears may be the result of some
happy emotion, like listening to a great piece of music, or they may have no
apparent cause at all. Some people may get depressed because they cannot
stop crying, but this is not the same as crying because they are depressed.
Others may react equally inappropriately with laughter, anger or even
moaning. Some times emotional control can be regained by diverting the
person’s attention to something of interest. Being critical or nagging will
only make things worse.
Depression is a quite normal reaction to the change in life-style,
frustration and helplessness that can follow a stroke. This can prevent people
trying to overcome their problems and the family doctor should be asked to
prescribe medication to help.
Insomnia is often associated with depression. Sleeping tablets should
be avoided if possible; a hot drink or a small whisky at night often work just
as well. Hot milk is good but avoid coffee.