People may be diagnosed with aphasia after a stroke or brain injury, and aphasia can interfere with the ability to express and understand either written or spoken communication. Over time, you can make significant improvements in communication or even recover fully with proper therapy and care. But aphasia can be very stressful for patients and their loved ones, and it can put a strain on the relationship. Learn more about how to build and protect relationships while affected by aphasia.

How Intimacy Is Affected by Aphasia

Aphasia can make it harder for people with the condition, as well as their partners, to connect and be intimate. It primarily inhibits clear communication, which can cause stress and frustration. This can make it harder to communicate and connect. People with aphasia can feel anxious, helpless, and increasingly isolated, while their loved ones and partners may be stressed and uncertain of how to help.

It can also affect the roles within aphasia relationships. Over time, partners may take on a more decision-making role, leading to even more isolation and frustration. Between themselves, conversations also become narrower, shorter, or less engaging, leading to less and less interaction and feeling unfulfilled. This can significantly impact the physical aspects of a relationship, as well, due to loss of connection, an inability to communicate wants, and the strain of negative emotions. However, external resources can help mitigate these issues and make it possible to have fulfilling relationships. 

The Importance of Connection

Maintaining connections and building or strengthening relationships is incredibly important for people with aphasia and their loved ones. Losing connection can lead to slower recovery and worse outcomes, especially if there is significant harm to the relationship.

Conversely, prioritizing connections and building strong relationships can lead to improved health outcomes and quality of life. Building relationships in aphasia recovery is possible by learning about aphasia, approaching conversations with patience, and getting professional aphasia recovery support and counseling.

How to Build Relationships in Aphasia Recovery

If someone you love has aphasia, take the time to learn about the condition, the recovery process, and helpful forms of support. Even if you’re not directly part of their recovery journey, familiarity with aphasia can help you continue to communicate with them. Build, rebuild, and strengthen relationships with these tips: 

• Simplify language without being patronizing or limiting the scope of the conversation.
• Experiment with multiple different communication channels, including speaking, writing, drawing, and using more visual aids and gestures.
• Continue to engage. People with aphasia can feel anxious and isolated, and their loved ones may feel like continuous conversation is too taxing or frustrating, but approaching conversations, again and again, can keep the relationship strong.
• Try to avoid interrupting. Finishing someone’s sentences and interrupting may be part of your informal conversation style, but try to minimize it and allow people with aphasia to finish their thoughts and find their preferred wording.

People with aphasia can also take steps to preserve their current relationships and build new ones. First, learn about aphasia and how to recover from it. Understanding the condition can help minimize frustration and anxiety. Then try these strategies: 

• Don’t let yourself be a passive participant. It can be easy to listen or passively agree, but challenge yourself to actively engage in conversations and events.
• Join emotional support groups with loved ones. Invite your partner or another loved one to a support group so you can discuss difficulties together and be near other people undergoing similar challenges. This is a great way to build new relationships with strangers.
• Establish consistent routines, especially related to recovery and social interactions. These routines can help make practice and recovery habitual, even if you’re feeling frustrated.

Contact Adler Aphasia Today

Building and maintaining aphasia relationships during aphasia recovery is challenging but not impossible. In fact, building relationships can help aid in recovery. At Adler Aphasia, we work with each of our patients to create a holistic, personalized approach to aphasia recovery support and quality of life throughout the aphasia healing process. Contact us today to learn more.

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