The Hidden Weight of Trauma
Caring for someone after a major health event comes with an invisible load: trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can shape both the survivor’s recovery and the caregiver’s experience. Research shows PTSD often affects executive functions—decision-making, memory, and emotional regulation. For stroke survivors, it’s sometimes hard to separate what stems from the stroke and what comes from trauma itself.
I saw this firsthand with my mom. For months, she was focused entirely on survival. Then, nearly ten months later, came a moment that stopped me in my tracks. Using her Lingraphica Tablet, a communication aid for people with aphasia, she told me I needed a shower. It sounds small, but it was a turning point. She wasn’t just surviving anymore—she was thinking about me. In that moment, she stepped back into her role as my mom.
That gesture reminded me why small wins matter so much: they give us proof of progress and offer hope that recovery isn’t only possible but ongoing.
What Counts as a Small Win?
Recovery is rarely linear. Progress may come in baby steps that outsiders overlook but mean the world in the caregiving journey. A “small win” might be:
- Saying a single new word after months of silence.
- Sitting up without help for the first time.
- Remembering a family member’s name.
- Using a communication tool successfully.
- Sharing a laugh after a difficult day.
Each of these moments, however minor they may seem, reflects healing, growth, or reconnection. They are signposts reminding us the journey is moving forward, even if slowly.
How to Celebrate Small Wins
Recognizing these moments isn’t just symbolic—it has real benefits for both survivor and caregiver. Celebration boosts mood, shifts perspective, and strengthens bonds. Here are simple ways to mark progress:
- Say it out loud. Naming the victory makes it real. “You did it!” or “That was a big step forward” affirms the moment.
- Bring movement into it. A cheer, a clap, or even a silly happy dance can lift energy in the room.
- Share the joy. Snap a picture, send a text, or write it down in a progress journal to revisit on harder days.
- Anchor it in gratitude. Take a breath together and acknowledge, “This was a good moment.”
Celebration doesn’t have to be big or exhausting. Even five seconds of recognition can shift the emotional atmosphere.
The Science of Positivity and Laughter
In Laughter Yoga, Dr. Madan Kataria emphasizes that the body and mind are deeply connected. Even when laughter is “faked,” the body still releases endorphins, lowers stress hormones, and improves mood. The same applies to positivity: small acts of celebration can literally rewire emotional energy.
Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and positive psychology suggest that shifting body language and expression—even when we don’t “feel like it”—creates feedback loops that make joy more accessible. In caregiving, where stress is constant, these moments aren’t frivolous—they’re survival tools.
Holding Onto Joy
As caregivers, it’s easy to overlook progress while managing appointments, medications, and daily challenges. But intentionally pausing to celebrate—even something as simple as a smile or a shared inside joke—can change the day.
Celebrating small wins doesn’t erase the hardships, but it reframes them. It reminds us of what we’re working toward and why this journey, as difficult as it is, still holds meaning and light.
Resources for Caregivers
- Caregiver Action Network – Support and resources for caregivers navigating complex emotions.
- American Stroke Association – Information about stroke recovery and communication aids.
- Lingraphica Tablets for Aphasia – Tools for rebuilding communication after stroke.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Insights into PTSD and its impact on brain function.
In the end, caregiving is defined not only by the challenges we endure but by the small victories we learn to celebrate. Each step forward—no matter how modest—adds up to something profoundly hopeful.
Beyond Stroke Survival 
Leave a comment