Empathy

“Empathy is the bridge that connects hearts and minds.” – Daniel Goleman

One of the hardest parts of surviving a stroke is that many of the changes are invisible.

People around you may notice your physical recovery, but they can’t see the emotional, cognitive, and personality changes that happened literally overnight.

Empathy isn’t something that everyone is capable of. Especially when they don’t understand what you are dealing with.

The "you look fine, walk fine, so what’s the problem?” disconnect. That’s hard to take.

Especially when you may already be feeling isolated or alone, a little empathy can go a long way.

I experienced what others have told me about: the post-hospital disappearing act.  I got phone calls, flowers, and visits in the hospital. When I got home, almost all of that stopped completely. 

When they don’t think you need anything, that’s when you need it the most.

One “friend” I never saw again after I left the hospital. They completely ghosted me. I guess I learned what that was really about—they felt obligated to show up. And we were never really friends to begin with. 

I’m not upset with them; I’m just irritated with myself that I didn’t see it that way before my stroke.

If you want more perspective on this, here’s a great article: Emotional Effects of a Stroke

A stroke changes your perspective on people, relationships, and what really matters.

Sometimes it makes you more empathetic. Sometimes less.

But it definitely changes the way you see the world.

And maybe that’s not always a bad thing.