Life for Lori Beaver changed drastically on November 23rd, 2003.

That’s the day she suffered a stroke at the age of 45 while living and working in Calgary.

After 4 months of treatment at Calgary Foothills Hospital, Beaver returned to Alderville First Nation in Southern Ontario to continue her physical rehabilitation.

However, it was her mental health that was suffering, as she explains here.

“Six months after moving there, I got hit again with severe depression so I talked to the health nurse on the reserve and she suggested I get some professional help, which I did. I’m so glad I did because the psychologist I saw really helped me through those dark days and for anyone suffering from depression, I suggest professional help.”

Depression and anxiety are experienced up to 70 per cent more often by women than men after stroke.

Today, Beaver is back in Calgary volunteering as a peer support worker, sharing her story with others who have suffered a stroke.

For her story, tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.