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Why and How Speech Therapists Can Support People with Aphasia in Better Mental Health
What is it about?
The World Health Organization has identified mental health as a basic human right. Our mental health impacts how we think, feel, and act. It is an important part of our general health and wellbeing. Aphasia is a language disorder most frequently caused by stroke. People with aphasia may have difficulty talking, listening, reading, and writing. People living with aphasia are at high risk for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. Further, people with aphasia have limited access to mental health services because such services rely heavily on talking and listening. This article uses a case, Ann, to showcase how her mental health has changed living with stroke and aphasia using the mental health recovery dimensions. This paper reviews evidence-based interventions and provides ideas about how speech therapists and mental health professionals can support people who have aphasia in accessing services to support their mental health.
Why is it important?
Depression and anxiety can negatively impact rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life. Speech therapists and mental health professionals have a responsibility to collaborate and provide accessible services to support the mental health of people living with aphasia.