Brain aneurysm survivors
and their caregivers may suffer from depression as a result
of what has happened. Profound feelings of sadness,
hopelessness, emptiness, feeling overwhelmed, lack of
concentration, irritability and loss of interest in favorite
activities are symptoms of depression – not simply a passing
phase. There are physical symptoms as well, such as fatigue
and lack of energy, sleeping too much or too little, changes
in appetite or weight, aches, pains and digestive problems.
Depression is a complex
disease that affects anyone, regardless of age or gender,
and is triggered by events both happy (marriage, parenthood)
or sad (divorce, death of a loved one, job loss). Usually a
life changing event, either large or small, triggers it.
Certainly the diagnosis of a brain aneurysm, and especially
a surgical or endovascular procedure, are life altering. A
traumatic situation has occurred causing a degree of damage
to the brain and altering your life. Temporary or permanent
adjustments are required that will impact your life and
those of your loved ones.
It
is important for a person experiencing symptoms of
depression to share feelings and fears with a loved one or
trusted friend, rather than withdrawing and internalizing.
Often it is best to seek help through neurological testing
by a neuropsychiatrist or neuropsychologist, so a plan can
be developed for treatment. Fortunately today, with the
advances in medication most people respond well to
treatment.
Caregivers cannot take proper care of a loved one if they
don’t take care of themselves. That isn’t being selfish,
just common sense. A caregiver must eat well, exercise, get
enough rest and socialize. Some helpers should also be
recruited to assist with the care as you cannot be on duty
24 hours every day. Perhaps counseling or family therapy
would be helpful. Someone once said, “things are not as bad
as they seem; they couldn’t be!”
Remember that you are not alone and things do get better.
Support groups are respectful, accepting, caring
environments where folks with similar challenges come
together, learn about their disease, share their
experiences, and mutually seek methods to improve their
situation. |
