Emotionalism is most common in the first few months after a stroke, when about one in five people experience it.

What is emotionalism?

A stroke can affect your ability to control your emotions, which can mean you’re more emotional than you used to be. This is called post-stroke emotionalism, sometimes known as ‘emotional lability’. It’s thought that changes in your brain after a stroke cause emotionalism.

People with emotionalism often find they cry more, sometimes without much warning or unexpectedly. Some people find they laugh more, sometimes at something inappropriate, though this is less common than crying.

It can be distressing, especially if you were not an emotional person before your stroke. Some people say they feel embarrassed, so they stop going out or avoid meeting people. It can also be upsetting or confusing for people close to you.

Feeling tearful or crying more can also be signs of depression. However, depression is associated with persistent feelings of sadness over a long time, while emotionalism may involve short outbursts of sudden emotion. Post-stroke emotionalism can happen on its own, or sometimes alongside depression. Speak to your doctor about what you’re experiencing.

Controlling my emotions is harder now. I’ll be talking about something completely normal, but I’ll start crying. People worry I’m upset, when actually I feel fine inside. I try to tell people what’s happening, so they understand.

Joanne, stroke survivor

What can I do about emotionalism?

Give it time

Emotionalism can get better over time. Many people find it improves or disappears altogether within the first six months. Even if your problems last longer than this, there are treatments and techniques that may help, so speak to your doctor about it.

Be open about it

If you tell new people about your emotionalism when you first meet them, then you’ll be less embarrassed if you become emotional in front of them. People feel awkward if they do not know what to do, so they’ll appreciate it if you tell them how to help you. You may prefer people to ignore it and carry on as normal, or you may find a hug or reassurance comforting when you get emotional.

Tell people when it’s real

You may have to tell people when you’re genuinely upset, so they don’t mistake it for emotionalism. You’re still entitled to comfort and support, so do not be afraid to ask for it.

Distract yourself

Some people say distraction helps when they feel themselves starting to get emotional. You could go into another room or ask if you can change the topic of conversation or the TV channel. If you’re out with others, ask someone to distract you, or recite some words in your head – whatever works best for you.