Welcome to the Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast, where you’re among friends who understand the journey of aphasia. If the word ’aphasia’ is familiar, then you’re in the right place. Join us as we embark on a journey filled with knowledge, inspiration, invaluable resources, and unwavering support.
Feeling isolated or overwhelmed by the day-to-day challenges? You’re not alone. The Listen for LIFE Aphasia podcast is your sanctuary, designed to uplift and empower you through every step of your journey. Through insightful conversations and uplifting stories, we’ll provide the guidance and encouragement you need to embrace life to its fullest.
In life, they say it takes a village. Consider this podcast your village—a place where understanding, compassion, and empowerment converge. Together, we’ll navigate the twists and turns, celebrating triumphs and overcoming obstacles because here, your journey is our journey.
Welcome home—to the Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast, where every voice matters.
All content for LIFE Beyond Aphasia is the property of LIFE Aphasia Academy® Genevieve Richardson and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to the Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast, where you’re among friends who understand the journey of aphasia. If the word ’aphasia’ is familiar, then you’re in the right place. Join us as we embark on a journey filled with knowledge, inspiration, invaluable resources, and unwavering support.
Feeling isolated or overwhelmed by the day-to-day challenges? You’re not alone. The Listen for LIFE Aphasia podcast is your sanctuary, designed to uplift and empower you through every step of your journey. Through insightful conversations and uplifting stories, we’ll provide the guidance and encouragement you need to embrace life to its fullest.
In life, they say it takes a village. Consider this podcast your village—a place where understanding, compassion, and empowerment converge. Together, we’ll navigate the twists and turns, celebrating triumphs and overcoming obstacles because here, your journey is our journey.
Welcome home—to the Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast, where every voice matters.
#165 He Didn’t Give Up—This Is Learned Helplessness
LIFE Beyond Aphasia
17 minutes
1 month ago
#165 He Didn’t Give Up—This Is Learned Helplessness
“He used to try... and now he just sits there.”
Maybe you've said those words to yourself—or out loud to a friend. It’s one of the hardest parts of life after stroke, especially with aphasia. You're watching someone you love shrink. They used to fight. They used to care. Now they won’t even try. But what if what looks like apathy is actually something else?
This episode unpacks a hidden truth: most stroke survivors haven’t given up. They’re just surviving. They’re stuck in the moment, unable to see how today’s effort connects to anything that still matters. Especially with aphasia, there’s no clear line between the task and the “why.” That’s where learned helplessness sneaks in. And that’s why your role as a care partner becomes so important—not to force effort, but to rebuild relevance.
Key Takeaways:
What learned helplessness really is—and why it’s not laziness • Why survivors need us to draw the connection between “effort” and “outcome” • How trauma and disorientation hide behind silence or compliance • The power of identity, relevance, and one person who believes in you • A better way to respond when you feel stuck, tired, or unheard
If this hits home—there’s a guide I want you to have.TAKE IT BACK: A Survivor’s Guide to Reclaiming Strength, Dignity, and Confidence After Stroke
More Resources:Two aphasia caregivers and two different paths. Are you Lisa or Elena? https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/lisa-or-elena
Feel stuck in your recovery? This guide will remind you why progress is still possible: 3 Keys to LIFE Beyond Aphasia
Aphasia spouses and caregivers, we have resources for you. https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/care-partner-resources
Explore speech pathology communication coaching options: https://www.dolifespeechpathology.com/treatment-for-aphasia-and-neurologic-conditions
Join our private support community for aphasia care partners: LIFE Aphasia Collective
Subscribe for new YouTube episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@LIFESpeechPathology/videos
Listen to Listen for LIFE Aphasia podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-for-life-aphasia-podcast/id1621948384
🌱 You’re not failing. You’re adapting.
LIFE Beyond Aphasia
Welcome to the Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast, where you’re among friends who understand the journey of aphasia. If the word ’aphasia’ is familiar, then you’re in the right place. Join us as we embark on a journey filled with knowledge, inspiration, invaluable resources, and unwavering support.
Feeling isolated or overwhelmed by the day-to-day challenges? You’re not alone. The Listen for LIFE Aphasia podcast is your sanctuary, designed to uplift and empower you through every step of your journey. Through insightful conversations and uplifting stories, we’ll provide the guidance and encouragement you need to embrace life to its fullest.
In life, they say it takes a village. Consider this podcast your village—a place where understanding, compassion, and empowerment converge. Together, we’ll navigate the twists and turns, celebrating triumphs and overcoming obstacles because here, your journey is our journey.
Welcome home—to the Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast, where every voice matters.
