Aphasia doesn’t just affect communication — it affects the whole person. Emotional and mental health challenges are common, but you are not alone. This page offers resources and pathways toward support and healing for people with aphasia and their care partners.
Need urgent help? Call/text 988 (Mental Health Crisis Line)
Aphasia is a language disorder that can impact all aspects of communication. Living with aphasia can also significantly impact an individual’s mood, roles, identity, sense of self, and overall well-being. Limited support, accessibility of resources, and opportunities for social connection can also influence emotional health.
Care partners often face emotional challenges such as physical and emotional burnout, isolation, and grief as they adjust to new roles and responsibilities. Feelings of guilt and the pressure to meet their loved one’s needs can be overwhelming, especially when expectations—both internal and external—are high. That’s why self-care and seeking support are not just helpful, but essential. Taking time to care for your own well-being helps protect your ability to provide meaningful, compassionate care over time.
Supporting emotional well-being after aphasia involves proactive strategies and simple, meaningful tools. Daily routines and setting achievable goals can provide structure and a sense of accomplishment. Engaging in hobbies such as art, music, or movement offers enjoyable and creative outlets that don’t require language. Relaxation techniques suitable for people with aphasia, like guided imagery meditation or mindful breathing prompted by visuals, can help reduce stress and foster a sense of calm. Journaling can include picture entries, drawings, or single-word reflections, allowing for emotional expression in accessible, personal ways.
Read the full article by Rebecca Hunting Pompon here to learn more about frustrations and actionable tips
Engaging with friends, neighbors, or your community are powerful ways to support emotional well-being after aphasia. The National Aphasia Association offers many ways to get involved—through virtual groups, our active Facebook community, and partnerships with local and national networks. Connecting with others who understand the challenges of communication loss can help reduce feelings of isolation and offer a sense of belonging.
Don’t have a group or program near you? We can help connect you with virtual programs or even help you start your own community!
The NAA offers a monthly program called Ask the Expert. We have hosted many wonderful webinars on the topic of mental health, coping, and caregiving. Everyone is welcome to view and ask questions—people with aphasia, family members, professionals, and curious learners. All webinars are free to attend, and past webinars can be viewed on our YouTube channel.
Join Our NAA Community Hub on Facebook. We created this Facebook group after requests for a space dedicated to sharing resources, organizing programs and gatherings, advocating for our shared cause, and collaborating on initiatives and events.
We welcome all persons who care about aphasia and support the efforts to educate, support and increase awareness of aphasia to join and share with others.
Throughout the country there are agencies and organizations to assist you with the challenges of aphasia’s impact. Here are a few:
Finding a mental health professional/counselor who understands aphasia is currently a challenge, but there are projects across the U.S. working to help establish certifications, lists of qualified providers, resources, and so much more. A few practical suggestions:
Here is one great resource to support Speech Pathologists. Why and How Speech Therapists Can Support People with Aphasia in Better Mental Health – Kudos: Growing the influence of research.
Yes. Many people experience strong emotions after aphasia — including sadness, anger, grief, numbness, irritability, or feeling “shut out” of the world. These are normal reactions to big life changes. But help is available, and things can get better. And because aphasia is caused by injury to the brain, it’s important to consider the possible physiological causes for changes in mood, personality, or coping.
Yes. Mental health professionals can work with people who have aphasia — especially those trained in stroke recovery or communication disorders. Some may use visual tools or partner with speech therapists to help. Don’t count out therapy as a tool for improving your mood and situation.
Caregiving is rewarding but also draining. If you’re feeling exhausted, resentful, or numb, it’s time to pause and reach out. Talking to a counselor, joining a support group, or just having a break can make a big difference.
