Subarachnoid haemorrhage

A guide for patients and carers

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For friends and family

It can be difficult for friends and family to understand what has happened to someone who has had an SAH. They might look fine physically, but it can take a long time to get back to “normal”.
Often, friends and family find it hard to know what to say. They do not know whether to ask someone if they are OK, or to behave as if nothing has changed. People who have had an SAH can find it difficult to talk about the problems they are experiencing and might feel isolated as a result.

You could mention that you have read this booklet as a way to introduce talking about how the person is feeling.

Irritability or angry outbursts can be very difficult for friends or family to cope with. It is common for people to become irritable or angry after an SAH, but they might not be aware that their behaviour or personality has changed.

A few tips for friends and family:

  • Keep a routine and avoid surprises
  • Try not to take remarks personally
  • Try to keep calm at all times
  • Try not to let too many people visit at the same time or have too many distractions going on

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