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The TakeAway - talking about mental health after stroke with Clive Kempson

May 09, 2024


Clive had a stroke in November 2015. His stroke came with no warning signs, and he was admitted to Monash Clayton Stroke Ward. Over the next ten days many tests were administered and visits by doctors and specialists but in the end, it led to nought – they were unable to give him the cause.

Do you want to know more about Clive? 

You can read his blog here: My stroke.

How did your stroke impact you emotionally? (0.37 secs)

Clive says, “It impacted me a lot because I was self-employed at the time. I haven't been able return to work, I had to close the business down which emotionally and financially.”

He also found that the people he expected to help him were unable to, and he was surprised by the people who did.

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What is acceptance to you? (1.14 min)

Clive says, "accepting that level of changes in your life that stroke brings, and accepting where are now and where you're going to head." 

He says he was lucky to meet people (both survivors and researchers) in the stroke research space who have guided him and given his life new meaning and direction.

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How did acceptance and the support you had from people in the research space have on your mental health? (2.10 min)

Clive said that it was hard in the beginning because he could see what support would be available in the future. But being involved in research gave his life a new meaning. He says, "If I can impact to help other people in the future then that's where my aim would be."


How important are peer relationships to you and your mental health? (2.44 min)

It gave me another level (of support) because I was dealing with people without lived experience of stroke, but had been in the space for a long time. Connecting with people who had had a stroke, there was more understanding."

There are stroke support groups across Australia, powered by stroke survivors and carers who want to see the benefits of peer support made available to as many people as possible. Some groups cater for everyone in a local area, while others cater for particular age groups and interests.


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