The Journey of Recovery
There are a number of very common emotional stages that people with a Brain Aneurysm/AVM/Hemorrhagic Stroke go through. It is important to remember that different survivors react differently to the grief over the loss of the person they once were and knew before the Brain Aneurysm/AVM/Hemorrhagic Stroke.
The journey of recovery is experienced in defined stages and although not everyone will go through the stages in the same order, EVERYONE will go through at least one or two of the emotional stages:
It is important to remember that each survivor grieves differently. Survivors won’t necessarily experience all of the emotions (Denial, Anger and Frustration, Depression/Withdrawal, Bargaining and Acceptance); nor will they experience the emotions in exact order listed. However, all survivors whether you had a rupture or not will experience at least 1 or 2 of these emotional stages.
Where you are in the recovery process will influence how you react or respond to situations. For example, if you are currently in the state of denial, you are not going to easily accept the doctor not permitting you to drive. The person in denial says there’s nothing wrong, even when directly confronted by family members or trained medical staff. Through your denial, you inadvertently hinder progress. If you are angry or frustrated, it is very difficult for you to deal with the littlest of things and find yourself easily aggravated or blowing up often.
It is difficult to reach the level of Acceptance. Acceptance only comes when you are ready and open for it. It cannot be forced and you will come to your own peace with what has happened to you in your own time. Being able to accept puts you on a better road to recovery.
