Stroke ordeal leaves one in 10 survivors feeling suicidal

A tragic 10 per cent of stroke sufferers felt suicidal afterwards, as survivors told how connecting with others has dramatically boosted their mental health.

One year ago the Daily Express launched our 'Let Stroke Patients Thrive' campaign, for better aftercare and access to miracle procedure thrombectomy - speedily removing the clot so some patients can return home that same day.

It is thought up to 10 per cent of UK stroke patients may be eligible for thrombectomy every year, more than 9,000 people - but recent figures show only 3.3 per cent can access one.

Now - to mark World Stroke Day on Tuesday 29th October - a Stroke Association study reveals 88,000 Britons survive a stroke every year but many find connecting with other survivors a huge boost in their rehabilitation.

The new research highlighted how over a third of survivors (36 per cent) felt depressed afterwards; 21 per cent felt alone and even more shockingly 10 per cent felt suicidal.

Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association, said: "Everyone's experience of stroke is unique, but for many it can feel like they've lost the life they had.

"Our new research highlights that connecting with others affected by stroke is often the most important thing in helping to recover after stroke. Sharing your experiences can help you understand stroke and learn new ways to cope.

"Every day, another 240 people wake up to the devastating reality of stroke. When that happens, we're here with support for every stroke survivor and their loved ones, for however long it takes."

Of the stroke survivors surveyed, over a third (36 per cent) said the most crucial thing they needed during their stroke recovery was emotional support.

While a third (33 per cent) said the most important thing was to understand what was coming next in their recovery journey.

When asked what advice they would give to a newly diagnosed stroke survivor, 45 per cent of those surveyed advised to try to remain positive, 35 per cent said that survivors will feel stronger if they get support, while the same number recommended they talk to other survivors.

The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families.

In light of the research findings, the Stroke Association has launched Stroke Encounters - a series of three short films which will debut on the charity's social media channels - to raise awareness this World Stroke Day.

These films tell the stories of three people who've recently had a stroke, meeting with survivors further along in their recovery journey to talk to them about their experiences and offer help and advice for their recovery.

The charity provides tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year, funds vital scientific research, and along with the Daily Express, campaigns to secure the best care and support for everyone affected by stroke.

They also provides a number of ways to connect stroke survivors with people with lived experience of stroke.

These include support groups to make new friendships; a weekly phone conversation with a trained volunteer; and the charity's Online Community which connects thousands of people who understand stroke first-hand.

Ms Bouverie added: "From the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, we're here to help survivors find their strength and their way back to life.

"Whether it's to connect with other survivors at one of our stroke groups, or to speak to someone online or over the phone, we'd encourage anyone affected by stroke to find out more about how we can provide support and put you in touch with others who have been there too."

* Find out more at

EXCLUSIVE

Trish Houghton and Margi Falconer know meeting others can boost your recovery ... as their amazing friendship was formed after their strokes in December 2022.

Trish, of Cheshire, was left unable to lift her right arm or even pick up a glass of water after her stroke and unable to get out of bed or even speak - with medics confirming she had multiple strokes, possibly caused by stress.

One week earlier, teaching assistant Margi, also from Cheshire, noticed she couldn't write correctly, had blurred vision and was unable to move properly - and attending hospital a CT scan confirmed she had a stroke too.

Both spent around a week in the same hospital but a chance meeting at a community stroke club, organised by the Stroke Association, had a major impact on both their recoveries.

Margi, 59, said: "I felt like I had been hit by a train when they told me I had a stroke it didn't feel real.

"I didn't even want to attend the stroke club. I think I was doing it to please other people really.

"But I met Trish the first time I went and we just hit it off, I went back to the club again and we exchanged numbers.

"I didn't go to the club looking for a friend at all but meeting Trish was a ray of sunshine and I love the friendship we have developed.

"The support we give each other means the world and I know it's seriously helped both of us while recovering from our strokes."

While Trish, 67, said: "Being told I'd had a stroke took my breath away, it was like being punched in the stomach

"But we really do just get one another - we each understand what the other is feeling. We message every day and it motivates us to get up and get on with the day. I think everyone needs a Margi in their life.

Both Trish and Margi had their lives turned upside down by stroke but they also feel accepting what has happened to you, without letting it define you, is vital.

Trish said: "The big thing is learning to accept what has happened to you - learning that you are more vulnerable than you used to be and acknowledging what you can and can't do.

"However, I was always determined to move forward too. The only way to overcome doubt is to get on with it sometimes."

Both Trish and Margi are still planning their day trips and motivating each other every day in their recovery.

Trish said: "We're still fighting every day and being there for each other and having a laugh which is so important. We try not to dwell on what we have lost, we focus on what we have and build from there."

While Margi said: "It's amazing really, we have become a major support to each other. I've made a friend for life now but I'm not sure our paths would have ever crossed had it not been for the 'event' as we call it."

Charlotte Ratcliff has felt the difference connecting with other stroke survivors can make after suffering hers just weeks after giving birth by Caesarean section.

Mother-of-three Charlotte, 37, from Stramshall, Staffs, was unable to see her newborn baby for two weeks after she was born in June 2022 due to her stroke.

After the planned C-section birth Charlotte suddenly collapsed at home in front of her shocked children and husband, who quickly rang for an ambulance.

On arrival at hospital, Charlotte went into cardiac arrest due to blood clots in her lungs and put into an induced coma in a desperate attempt to stop her internal bleeding.

Charlotte explained: "I can close my eyes and hear the voices shouting 'breathe, Charlotte. Breathe!' - it's a terrifying memory.

"From that moment, I lost consciousness, and I don't remember anything until 10 days later when I woke up from the coma. When I woke up, I was so confused, terrified and felt alone."

She added: "I also remember the first time I saw my daughter after my stroke. She was five weeks old, and I had missed almost two weeks of her little life - which felt like an eternity at that age.

"I was lying in my bed on the critical care unit - tubes in my nose, beeping machines surrounding me - and there was my little, tiny baby being handed to me.

"It was a miracle I was alive after what I'd been through, and it was a miracle I was holding my baby again."

Charlotte's stroke left her with right sided paralysis and communication difficulty called aphasia and she had to spend three months in hospital.

Charlotte said: "Recovery is gruelling. The road is long.

"When I woke up in hospital my right side was severely affected, I had difficulty swallowing and was fed using a tube, and my speech was really challenging. I couldn't recognise who I was anymore."

Charlotte was a sales rep before her stroke and is yet to return to work so understands the feeling of being alone in recovery - despite having a hugely supportive family - which led her to try and connect with others.

Charlotte said: "Coming home after a stroke can be a lonely time for many people.

"And while I was so lucky to have a great support network around me, I wished I could speak to someone who really understood what I was going through.

"In January 2023 I opened an Instagram account to share tips and advice on stroke recovery, and to talk to others.

"It has been a huge source of comfort and reassurance, and also a happy place to see my progress. I believe that speaking to others in a similar situation is really helpful."

Charlotte now wants to continue connecting with others in a similar situation and educate the public on stroke too.

Charlotte added: "I would like to help people understand that stroke is for life but that doesn't mean it's the end of your life.

"Every day is different, you will have good days and bad ones. There will be ups and downs. But reaching out to others can help."