Well, I am new here so here it goes. A few years ago I had a stroke, and it messed me up pretty bad but I didn't take all the advise from the doctors and went back to the gym (gym has been life for 25 years..lol) and I made a full recovery. However, it really changed my personality...and not in a good way. My PTSD from my time in the military which I thought I had beaten back with gym and other activities (no meds) has now crept back. I am distant from my wife and kids, don't sleep and can't wait to be alone to sit and stare at a wall...ugh. Anyone else's personality change with a stroke/PTSD?
Is therapy something you have considered, it is great you are doing so well post stroke and we are so glad to have you here, but therapy could be extremely helpful.
My wife really wants me in therapy, but of course I am fighting it. I know I need it, like I know I need a dentist, but.......
@btfree519
We have a Veterans group here too. Please join it. Its slow, but I’m trying to get other Vets from the internet to join also.
You know you need a therapist? Then go… Why fight it. Its the best thing for YOU and your FAMILY. OPEN UP… I know its hard. I know as a man we all keep things bottled up. But hey… You came here right?
I’m x Army and the Mod in the Veterans group. You can contact me anytime without us supporting each other. Just tap my name.
Thanks man!
My mom had a stroke a few months ago, and her personality has changed significantly. She's pushed me away, her only kid and someone she loved and spoke to daily, and her sister, who was her best friend. From the family perspective, it really hurts to see a loved one put up barriers. Sometimes I wish my mom would just talk to me and let me how she's feeling, whether she's scared about what happened to her, how a change in lifestyle made her feel post stroke, anything. All I can say is that your family loves you no matter what, and sharing what you've shared with us might really help them feel like you're letting them in again. I do research to understand why my mom's personality has changed, and why she's pushing me away, and in the process have come across a lot of articles about how what makes a person who they are, according to the people that know them, is their personality. When someone's personality changes, it can feel like you've lost them even though they are still physically there. I am also noticing that the more my mom resists our help the worse she's actually getting cognitively, and stress and depression can often slow down recovery. Would you consider talking to someone about what you're experiencing? Even if it isn't family. I'm sure your family would just like to understand what you're going through, but if you need time to process, let them know that too. Trust me, some communication with them would really help them.