Beyond Isolation
- Lewis Bartelle
- Oct 26
- 3 min read
Finding the New Family That Truly Gets Your Stroke Journey
Hey friends, Lewis here. When you're in a dark place, struggling with challenges like dysarthria or the immense inner frustration of recovery, sometimes the only people who truly "get it" are those who have walked the same path.
After my stroke, the initial intensity of rehab gave way to a quiet, isolating reality. I felt like I was battling the unseen 80% of recovery alone, constantly trying to explain a struggle that no one else could possibly understand.
Then, I found my village. I found my Stroke Support Group.
This article is about the incredible power of shared experience and why finding camaraderie with other survivors helped me move past feelings of isolation and showed me the unstoppable strength we have when we come together.
The Power of Shared Experience: A New Family
In 2016, I found a support group called Stroke Inspire. From the very first day, and with every new member, I was welcomed with open arms. Finding that sense of belonging was life-changing.
This isn't just a place to vent; it’s a vital extension of your healing journey. Here’s what a Stroke Support Group truly gives you:
Camaraderie and Validation:
When you describe a symptom—like the sheer exhaustion of Ataxia or the frustration of being constantly interrupted—and everyone in the room nods, that validation is immediate and profound. It kills the isolation instantly.
Practical, Real-World Advice:
Therapists and doctors are essential, but survivors offer the ground-level wisdom on things like navigating insurance, finding the right adaptive tech, or the best way to explain your dysarthria to strangers.
Attitude Adjustment:
This has genuinely helped me with my attitude toward stroke recovery. Seeing others who have overcome similar or worse challenges is the most powerful motivation you can find. It pushed me into so much more progress than ever simply because I saw that it was possible.
Unshakeable Foundation:
All these years later, and I have a new family. They are part of my Core Support System, providing the unshakeable foundation I wrote about earlier.
Moving Past Isolation with Collective Strength
Stroke recovery often feels like a lonely sentence, but it doesn't have to be. Joining a Stroke Support Group transforms your journey from a solitary effort into a collective mission.
When you're trying to figure out how to push forward, having a team of people who not only believe in you but know exactly what you're up against makes all the difference. This collective strength is what empowers us to maintain The Hustle needed for long-term progress.
If you are struggling to find that daily drive, remember that the energy of a community can carry you through the toughest days.
Find Your Village
The world of support groups has expanded rapidly since 2016. Whether you need an in-person meeting or an online community, there's a place for you to belong.
I found my initial support in 2016 through Stroke Inspire. They welcomed me with open arms, and their guidance has fueled years of my recovery. Click the link and come find us!
I have also started a Facebook Group, "Beyond the Shatter," specifically designed to foster this sense of community and solidarity. If you need a sense of belonging right now, come join us!
For additional resources and help finding a group in your area, the American Stroke Association is a fantastic starting point.
Remember: Healing is an inside job, but we don't have to be alone while we work on it. The strength of a community will push you further than you ever thought possible.
