World Stroke Day 29.10.26:Remembering, raising awareness, and living with the effects
World Stroke Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness of stroke, recognise the importance of knowing the signs and remember everyone whose life has been affected.
But I also want to acknowledge that this day can be difficult for some of us. It isn’t a day of celebration more commemoration. It can bring back memories of a frightening time, the loss of someone we love, or the changes that continue to shape life long after a stroke.
I know this personally. More than 20 years ago, I had a haemorrhagic stroke that changed my life. I was a new mum, with a ten day old baby and a three and a half year old daughter. The life I had known changed in ways I could never have anticipated.
Although many years have passed, I still live with some of the effects. My experience has taught me that recovery isn’t simply about the initial medical treatment or the time spent in hospital. There can be ongoing physical, emotional and practical adjustments, as well as changes to identity, independence, relationships and confidence.
Some of these effects are visible. Others are much harder for people around us to understand.
For families and carers, life can change too. Everyone may be trying to adjust in their own way, sometimes without knowing how to talk about what has happened.
There is no right way to feel.
For some people, World Stroke Day is a chance to recognise how far they have come. For others, it may bring frustration, sadness, grief or memories they would rather not revisit. Some may feel all of these things at different times.
There is no right or wrong way to feel about the day.
Raising awareness means recognising the seriousness of stroke, understanding the importance of prompt medical attention and acknowledging the longer term impact on the person affected and those around them.
It also means remembering that people need understanding and support beyond the initial event.
Making space to talk.
As a counsellor, I understand how important it can be to have a space where you don’t have to put on a brave face, explain yourself to everyone or pretend that everything is fine.
Counselling can offer an opportunity to explore the changes you have experienced, how they have affected your sense of self and relationships, and what life looks like for you now. You don’t have to know exactly what you want to say before you begin.
If stroke has affected you or someone close to you, and you would like a space to talk, you are welcome to find out more about my counselling.
I offer face to face counselling in Southend on Sea and online counselling.
Find out more: www.horwoodcounselling.co.uk
Today, I’m thinking of everyone living with the effects of stroke, the families and carers alongside them, and those remembering someone they have lost.
Let’s keep raising awareness, listening and making space for the realities of life after stroke.