Mental Health Support in Aphasia Care

The communication challenges suffered by people with aphasia can hurt their quality of life and feel isolating. This can worsen health outcomes and make it more difficult to find language solutions. People with aphasia can benefit from mental health support tailored to their unique experience. 

The Overlooked Link Between Aphasia and Mental Health

People with aphasia can often feel stressed or frustrated by the unique aspects of their condition.  At times, caregivers may overlook the mental health aspect of aphasia treatment because their priority is on the functional goals of communication. This omits a significant factor from the support plan that can be beneficial to the individual’s overall health. 

Emotional Challenges Faced by People Living with Aphasia

Some of the challenges regarding mental health in aphasia can include: 

• Negative thoughts and decreased mood
• Lack of interest in life activities
• Increased or decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Difficulty with concentration
• Feeling worthless

These emotions can increase over time and lead to other health conditions.

Depression and Anxiety: Common but Often Undiagnosed

Reports show that anxiety and depression are more prevalent in people who develop aphasia after a stroke than in other poststroke patients,  with other studies indicating that over 40% of people with aphasia have depression or sub-threshold depression. Physicians may misdiagnose people with aphasia because of their language difficulties, which is why it is important to seek care from a provider who understands aphasia and its unique challenges. The physical, mental, and social effects of depression may cause individuals to socially withdraw or have suicidal thoughts. 

The Role of Isolation and Frustration in Mental Health

Isolation has one of the largest impacts on mental well-being, and it might feel like a regular occurrence for people living with aphasia. Their family may not understand their loved one’s communication challenges and may become reluctant to participate in care. Similarly, the person with aphasia may be embarrassed or frustrated by failed communication attempts, and they might avoid attempting to communicate in the future, creating a pattern of isolation. 

Strategies to Support Emotional Wellness in Aphasia Care

Caregivers and people with aphasia may feel helpless; however, some strategies can improve the quality of life for the person with aphasia. 

Creating Safe Spaces for Self-Expression

A safe place for self-expression is important in aphasia care, as people with aphasia may find communication solutions if they feel open to trying new things. This also allows for a space for addressing vulnerable feelings and challenging experiences without judgment. People with aphasia need this space to release tension and anxiety.

For caregivers, it’s important to remember to ask for help when you need it. It’s easy to get caught up in the responsibility of your role, but allowing yourself to find ease when possible can help prevent burnout. Spend time with friends and family who can support you as much as you support others.

The Power of Routine, Structure, and Social Interaction

Providing routine and structure may be beneficial for people with aphasia and may improve results by encouraging greater neuroplasticity when the brain is recovering or when the individual is managing new communication strategies. Part of this routine should be social interaction, so the person never experiences isolation for an extended period of time. 

Cut out time for yourself, like going on walks or engaging in your hobbies, if you are a caregiver. Remember to spend time outside doing the things you enjoy. Create a self-care checklist that allows for flexibility when you’re too tired, but gives you some structured options to build in good-for-you habits. 

Involving Family and Caregivers in Mental Health Support

Family members and caregivers can be instrumental in mental health support. Sometimes this means providing assurance that the individual with aphasia has worth and love. A close caregiver may be able to develop communication strategies and develop a stronger rapport that temporary caregivers may find difficult to repeat.

How Group Programs and Peer Support Improve Mental Health

The power of group programs and peer support has an incredibly impactful potential for improving the quality of life of a person with aphasia. 

The Benefits of Community-Based Aphasia Centers

Community-based aphasia centers surround people with aphasia with others who can understand their diagnosis and have the patience and knowledge to improve their day-to-day life. 

Peer Connections: Sharing the Journey Toward Recovery

Group programs also place the person with aphasia into an environment where others understand their diagnosis and where people with similar challenges can be empathetic listeners and friends. This lessens the isolation and can provide models for successful living post-aphasia. 

Real Stories: Finding Confidence Through Communication

Real stories from people with the condition are the best form of aphasia therapy because they can give people with aphasia the confidence and hope to keep trying. This is true for all types of aphasia, including those where verbal communication seems impossible. 

Compassionate Care Starts Here: Connect with Adler Aphasia Center

At Adler Aphasia Center, we have a whole-person approach to aphasia support and programs that prioritize both language and mental health. Join our community today, and find hope, connection, and purpose. Contact us at our website for more information.