Until the time arrives when stroke patients truly recognize themselves as handicapped (living with their disabilities), it is well known that they usually pass through the five stages of grief, namely : denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. It is difficult to know which stage a patient is at, but we have found that a patient's writing, their letters, the occasional poem, etc are all of great use to identify the stage. Patients who are satisfied with their present lives are more able to accept their situation and therefore have fewer tendencies toward suicidal thoughts. The richness of their lives helps them to overcome their disabilities and enables them to return back to society. We should not force our patients, especially those in the denial or confusion stage, to accept their disabilities and rather must try to listen sincerely about their suffering and their stories. Most patients with brain strokes are encouraged to do their best “ganbare" by medical staff such as nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language hearing therapists and doctors, and their family members and their friends. Usually, they are pleased to hear these words. However, some patients may perceive such encouragement as stressful, but if we know how to use these words in a supportive, positive manner, then they can be useful words in the care of stroke patients.
