Negotiating Hope and Acceptance

African American woman holding a heart to her face

Is the glass half full?

Just as no two strokes are alike, no two stroke families are the same.

How families handle a stroke can range from complete denial to meticulous management of every detail. And how they respond to a long-term, possibly disabling illness can affect the survivor's outcome because it can affect how they see themselves.

Some people believe knowledge is power and a way to control their future health. They scour the Internet, keep up with social media, join chat rooms, compare opinions and uncover alternative remedies.

Other people find knowledge dis-empowering. They feel stripped of control when they receive definitive medical pronouncements. They might minimize or even reject bad news - in other words, engage in denial.

Staying positive allows survivors and their families to try new solutions. But staying positive shouldn't preclude feelings of worry, anger or sadness. Practicing cautious optimism may strike the right balance.

Ultimately, the families that cope best view the stroke as the beginning of the recovery process, not the end of life as they've known it. By working together, gathering information and nurturing realistic hope, survivors and family members can retain some control.


Together to End Stroke®

Together is how we work — the AHA/ASA, health care professionals, stroke survivors, caregivers, sponsors, supporters and caring individuals. Stay informed on the latest stroke news and resources. As a thank-you, you’ll get instant access to a free mini cookbook!

Caregivers Guide to Stroke

Stroke recovery can be difficult and confusing for the survivor and the caregiver. We’ve provided you with tips on how to communicate with the healthcare team and manage the effects of a stroke, as well as information on legal resources, financial support, and health coverage.

Support That Lifts You Up

Our online community of patients, survivors and caregivers is here to keep you going no matter the obstacles. We’ve been there, and we won’t let you go it alone.