Apathy is fairly common after a stroke. It can be a sign of depression, but it can also happen on its own.

What is apathy?

Apathy is a lack of motivation or emotional drive to do things after a stroke. You may lose interest in everyday activities, or feel less engaged with things you used to enjoy or care about before your stroke. You may feel or appear indifferent to things you previously would have had an emotional response to, like hearing good news or seeing someone upset.

What can I do about apathy?

Plan your day

Having a structure to the day can sometimes help with apathy. Ask family members or friends to offer practical help. They can encourage you to start and finish tasks and break them down into smaller steps. Sticking to a regular routine might be helpful.