When I reflect on my own journey as a stroke survivor, and now as a counsellor supporting others through their journey, I often think about how recovery differs around the world. Over time, I’ve connected with stroke survivors and caregivers internationally, and it’s opened my eyes to how much environment and community shape recovery outcomes.
Recently, I had a powerful and inspiring conversation on Instagram Live with my friend and fellow stroke survivor, @avmsuperhero. I’ve been following his journey for a while and I’m continually impressed by how he’s integrated his rehabilitation into the life he now lives. Hearing his story and the way he’s managed his recovery reminded me that while systems may differ between countries, the heart of recovery remains universal.
Stroke Support in Australia
Here in Australia, we’re lucky to have a strong healthcare system that provides excellent emergency care. If you reach the hospital quickly, our medical teams are some of the best in the world at providing immediate intervention, whether that’s clot-busting medication or surgery. Those first few hours save lives, and for that, we are fortunate.
But where many stroke survivors and their families begin to feel the cracks is after leaving hospital. I hear it time and again from clients: “Once I got home, it felt like I was on my own.” Accessing consistent rehabilitation, especially in rural and regional areas, can be challenging. Only around 3% of stroke survivors outside metro areas have access to a dedicated stroke unit, compared to roughly 70% in cities.
Mental health and emotional recovery often don’t get the attention they deserve. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are common, but counselling and psychological support are rarely part of the standard recovery pathway. Families are left juggling not just the practical load, but also the emotional weight of it all, trying to stay strong for each other while silently struggling themselves.
That’s why community-based programs and advocacy organisations like the Stroke Foundation are so important. Their awareness campaigns, research funding, and events like Stride4Stroke (which I proudly participate in each year) bring people together and remind us that stroke recovery is as much about connection as it is about care.
Stroke Support Around the World
When I chat with survivors overseas, particularly in the U.S. and U.K., I notice both similarities and differences that are worth learning from.
United States: The emergency medical system is world-class, but access to care often depends on insurance. Survivors with strong coverage receive excellent rehab, while others face overwhelming financial barriers. What the U.S. does particularly well, though, is community support. Peer-led recovery groups are common, and there’s a huge emphasis on survivor-driven storytelling, something Australians could really benefit from.
United Kingdom: The NHS provides comprehensive acute care, though like Australia, long-term rehabilitation can be inconsistent. Charities like the Stroke Association play a crucial role, bridging the gap through resources, peer mentoring, and advocacy. Their emphasis on emotional recovery is something I think we can learn a lot from.
Europe: Countries like Sweden and the Netherlands are leading the way in holistic care. They treat stroke recovery as a lifelong process, not a series of hospital visits. Emotional wellbeing, family counselling, and community reintegration are built directly into their national health programs. It’s an approach that recognises stroke recovery as both a physical and psychological journey.
What We Can Learn
From my perspective, the biggest gap in Australia isn’t medical; it’s human.
Recovery isn’t just about walking again or speaking again. It’s about rediscovering who you are, rebuilding confidence, and learning to trust your body and mind again. The countries that get this right are the ones that integrate mental health, counselling, and community connection into recovery from the very beginning.
That belief is what drives me in my work at Julian Reddish Counselling: to create a safe, understanding space for survivors and caregivers who are still trying to make sense of life after stroke. Because healing doesn’t end when you leave the hospital—that’s actually when it begins.
Lessons from My Conversation with @avmsuperhero
In my chat with @avmsuperhero, we explored what stroke recovery looks like in different systems. We discussed:
- The differences in hospital rehab between the U.S. and Australia
- The impact of financial and government support
- How every survivor’s journey is completely unique
- The importance of balancing independence with having the right supports in place
What stood out most for me was his perspective on self-belief and resilience. He’s a true example of someone who’s rebuilt his life piece by piece—not by pretending everything is fine, but by staying consistent, grateful, and grounded.
It reminded me that while the healthcare systems may differ, what really defines recovery is heart. It’s courage. It’s patience. It’s the willingness to keep going, one day at a time.
Moving Forward Together
Australia has come a long way in stroke awareness and acute care, but the next step is clear: we need to strengthen our long-term recovery model. That means greater focus on psychological support, access to counselling, and community-driven programs that make survivors feel seen, not forgotten.
My hope is that by continuing to share stories like @avmsuperhero’s, we remind people that recovery isn’t just possible—it’s personal. Each survivor’s journey is their own, and when we come together to share and learn, the entire community grows stronger.
If you’re a stroke survivor or caregiver, I’d love to connect with you. Together, we can keep building awareness, share ideas, and create a world where stroke recovery is supported not just medically, but mentally and emotionally too.
Better & Better,
Julian
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