Introduction: Psychological depression is considered one of the most common mental disorders among patients with cerebral strokes, significantly affecting their quality of life and recovery capacity. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), depression is classified as a mental disorder characterized by deep sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, and disturbances in sleep and appetite, which may exacerbate the patient’s overall health condition. The Relationship Between Stroke and Depression: Studies indicate that post-stroke depression (PSD) occurs due to biological changes in the brain, in addition to psychological and social factors. Research has shown a correlation between the stroke location and the severity of depression, with strokes affecting the frontal lobe or basal ganglia having a greater impact on the patient’s psychological state. A study conducted at the College of Arts and Sciences, Amman Al-Ahliyya University, Jordan, aimed to investigate the relationship between depression levels, psychological stress, and lifestyle in stroke patients, considering variables such as gender, age, education level, and time since stroke onset. The study sample consisted of 127 individuals (86 males and 41 females) diagnosed with cerebral stroke, admitted to King Medical Rehabilitation Center in Palestine. To achieve the study objectives, the Health Promoting Lifestyles Profile, Perceived Stress Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory-II were used after verifying translation validity and reliability. Results showed significant inverse correlations between lifestyle dimensions and depression, and between lifestyle dimensions and psychological stress, while a direct correlation was found between psychological stress and depression levels in stroke patients. No significant differences were observed based on gender, but significant differences were found according to age, education level, and time since stroke on lifestyle, depression, and stress measures. The study recommends incorporating psychological assessment as part of routine clinical evaluation for stroke patients to improve quality of life and reduce negative outcomes. Symptoms and Diagnosis According to DSM-5: DSM-5 defines a set of diagnostic criteria for depression, including: Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day Loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities Significant changes in weight or appetite Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia) Fatigue or loss of energy Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt Impaired thinking or concentration Recurrent suicidal thoughts or attempts Factors Influencing Depression in Stroke Patients: Risk factors for post-stroke depression include: Stroke severity and impact on cognitive functions Social support and level of medical care provided Personal history of mental disorders Brain chemical changes resulting from the stroke Treatment and Psychological Interventions: Management of depression in stroke patients involves a multi-faceted approach: Pharmacological treatment: Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are effective in improving mood and reducing symptoms. Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps patients develop strategies to manage negative emotions and improve quality of life. Neurorehabilitation: Programs aimed at improving cognitive and motor functions contribute to reducing depression. Social support: Engagement with family and friends enhances the patient’s sense of security and emotional support. Recommendations and Suggestions: Medical and Therapeutic Interventions: Early psychological assessment: Regular psychological evaluations should be conducted for stroke patients to detect early signs of depression and provide appropriate support. Appropriate pharmacotherapy: Use antidepressants according to the patient’s medical condition, considering potential drug interactions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Promote reliance on behavioral therapy to help patients modify negative thinking patterns and improve emotional responses. Lifestyle Recommendations: Encourage physical activity: Regular exercise, such as walking and rehabilitation exercises, positively affects psychological and physical health. Healthy nutrition: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids supports brain health. Improve sleep quality: Provide a comfortable sleep environment and strategies to regulate sleep, such as avoiding stimulants before bedtime. Social Support and Psychological Assistance: Enhance social support: Family and friends’ involvement in the patient’s recovery journey is vital, and social activities help prevent isolation. Community reintegration: Rehabilitation programs assist patients in returning to professional and social life after physical recovery. Awareness and education: Conduct awareness campaigns on post-stroke depression to better understand and support patients psychologically and socially. Research and Development Recommendations: Promote scientific research: Support studies aimed at understanding the stroke-depression relationship more deeply to improve treatment methods. Utilize modern technologies: Develop digital solutions, such as smart apps and virtual follow-ups, to monitor patients’ psychological status continuously. Integrate psychotherapy into neurorehabilitation plans: Rehabilitation after stroke should include psychological therapy alongside physical treatment. Following these recommendations can improve stroke patients’ quality of life and reduce the impact of post-stroke depression, enhancing their chances of recovery and returning to normal life. Conclusion: Psychological depression in stroke patients is a significant challenge that requires comprehensive medical and psychological intervention. Evaluating the patient’s mental health as part of overall care is essential to improve quality of life and reduce negative complications. References: Othmanah, R. O. (2020) – “Depression levels and psychological stress among stroke patients,” Master’s Thesis, College of Arts and Sciences, Amman Al-Ahliyya University, Jordan. American Psychiatric Association (2013) – Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), American Psychiatric Association, Washington, USA. Beck, A. T., Steer, R. A., & Brown, G. K. (1996) – Manual for the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Psychological Corporation, San Antonio, TX. Hackett, M. L., Köhler, S. (2017) – “Depression after stroke: An important but often forgotten issue,” The Lancet Psychiatry, 4(3), 250–260. Towfighi, A., Ovbiagele, B. (2017) – “Stroke prevention in women and depression: A growing concern,” Neurology, 89(7), 742–750.