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Depression and low mood

Your mini stroke (TIA) or minor stroke may affect you emotionally as well as physically. Emotional impacts can be missed by healthcare providers and family/ friends because they are “hidden”. Your GP will be able to talk to you about how you are feeling and discuss the various therapies and services which might best support you.

I get very depressed… I feel mentally tired, not physically, physically I feel okay.

Middle aged man looking tired
TIA patient

How can I manage low mood?

There are self-management strategies, resources and organisations to help make things a little easier for you, some of them can be found below:

Self-management strategies are summarise in this infographic.

1. Talk about it

Talking to other people is really important.

Family and friends: sharing your feelings can help them understand what you are going through and how to support you.

Other people who have had mini stroke (TIA) or minor stroke: connect through social media groups and forums:

Other people with depression: there are online forums for people with depression:

Helplines for depression or stroke:

Depression

Stroke

2. Be active

You may not feel up to it, but try to keep active. Physical activity releases chemicals into your brain that make you feel happier.

Even short walks and gardening can help. You’re more likely be active if you plan it, do something you enjoy or do it with family or friends.

Click here for more information about active lifestyle

3. Look after yourself

These simple things can help little by little.

4. Challenge negative thoughts

There are different strategies to stop negative thoughts affecting your mood.

Balance negative thoughts with positive ones:

For each negative thought think of or write down a more balanced thought. It can be helpful to keep a diary of these thoughts. For example:

Negative thought: "I'm a burden on my family."

Balanced thought: "I know my family love me and want to help and support me."

There are apps and worksheets to help you

Remember details:

Often people with depression think in general statements, such as “I’m no use to my family”. Train yourself to remember specific details so positive experiences are easier to recall; for example, write down all the ways you support your family.

Mindfulness:

Research shows mindfulness can improve mental wellbeing. There are videos, websites, podcasts, and apps to help you.

5. Increase enjoyable activities

  • When we have low mood, we often stop doing important or enjoyable activities.
  • Try listing these activities and re-introduce them gradually. Start with the easiest ones.

What treatments are there for depression?

Visit your GP to discuss how you are feeling and the range of support available to you.

Talking therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy which can be offered individually or as part of a group. Read more about CBT.

There are different ways to access CBT:

NHS:

  • GP: Your GP may be able to refer you to CBT in your area or give you a login for an online CBT programme.

  • Self-refer: Search for NHS CBT

Private sector:

Online CBT:

  • Living Life to the Full (free):A self-help life skills training package based on a CBT approach, for those with mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
  • MoodGYM (£23 for 12 months): A CBT based program by the Australian National University. It helps you identify and overcome problem emotions and develop good coping skills.
  • Silver Cloud (NHS referral required): The programme is interactive, during sessions you can watch video clips, complete exercises and learn CBT techniques. You will be given tasks to complete during the week and between modules.
  • Beating the Blues (NHS referral required):The programme consists of eight, one-hour sessions completed weekly.

Medication

Antidepressant drugs affect chemicals in your brain and lift your mood. Antidepressants don’t cure emotional problems, but they can help with the symptoms. There are many different types of antidepressants. Speak to your GP if this is something you would like to try.

Helpful resources

Self-help guides

Information leaflets

 

Websites

Helplines for depression

  • Mind: 0300 123 3393 Open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays)
  • Samaritans: 116 123 Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year or email jo@samaritans.org

Mindfulness

Videos:

Apps:

Podcast:

Websites:

Challenge negative thoughts

App:

Worksheet:

Talk about it

Online forums for people with depression:

Helplines for depression:

  • Mind: 0300 123 3393 Open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).
  • Samaritans: 116 123 Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year or email jo@samaritans.org

Stroke charities

Stroke Association:

Different strokes:

Social media and forums for mini stroke (TIA) and minor stroke