Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability, and 800 thousand people in the U.S. will suffer from one this year.

Health experts say it can impact a person's speech, movement and memory.

Stroke survivors often face months of rehab working on balance and coordination, but that's not all survivors struggle with.

“Half of all stroke survivors will experience post-stroke depression at some point in time after their stroke,” clinical psychologist Alexandra Terrill said.

Post-stroke depression can impact a patient's motivation for rehab, and can lead to social isolation.

Studies show rates of hospitalization increase and relationships can suffer.

Terrill led a study using positive psychology to help stroke survivors and their caregivers.

“Positive psychology is really something that's focused on the strengths or resources that an individual has, and that can be built upon,” Terrill said.

The eight-week program helps couples practice goal setting, communication strategies, gratitude, finding meaning and fostering connections with each other and those in their social circles.

“We saw a dramatic increase in resilience for the person who had the stroke, “Terrill said.

Resilience is a person's ability to adapt and cope when faced with the challenges both mentally and physically after a stroke – and building resilience is just as important for the caregiver.

The National Institute of Health reports that people who suffer post-stroke depression are more likely to be dependent for life on caregivers, and have a higher risk of having another stroke. 

Professor Terrill said she believes positive psychology can be a simple, cost-effective and life-saving solution to post-stroke depression. A larger NIH funded study is being conducted now across the United States.

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