Gaby Köster: "I can still see the joke even in the biggest chaos"
Sometimes life strikes mercilessly: Gaby Köster, the most famous woman in the German comedy scene, was at the peak of her career when she suffered a serious stroke - at the age of 46. She had to learn everything again: walking, speaking, driving, crying. Even today, after almost 15 years, she is still affected by the consequences of the "stroke", as she calls it herself. But the comedy icon worked her way back into life with a great deal of humor and courage.
At Health Day on November 8, 2022, Gaby Köster talks about how she was knocked out by a stroke - and how she worked her way back into life and onto the stage bit by bit. What has helped her is her sense of humor: "I can still see the joke even in the biggest chaos," she says. Even though her life today is different from before the stroke, she has regained many freedoms, such as traveling alone again. Look forward to an inspiring interview with one of Germany's most humorous women.
Ms. Köster, you suffered a severe stroke in 2008. When did you realize that your old life would no longer be possible?
Gaby Köster : Immediately after I woke up from the coma, or rather I really noticed it when I was back at home for the first few weeks. The most normal everyday activities were practically no longer possible.
You once said in an interview: "I am able to get through any situation in life". What helps you not to lose heart?
When I tackle something and it doesn't work right away, it makes me angry at first. But the anger motivates me at the same time. It's like an engine and drives me forward. Resigning is not a solution, I personally find that too boring. I adapt to every situation in life. It comes as it comes!
To what extent can humor help in the healing process?
Especially in those moments when things don't work out the way you want them to, humor helps a lot. You should be able to laugh at yourself or the situation. It lightens things up and you might get a different perspective on things. I always try to see something positive in everything. Positive thoughts and a positive attitude can support the healing process.
What did you do to motivate yourself during the recovery process?
I read a lot, I also had a lot of time. I listened to music, painted and watched a lot of YouTube. YouTube is a great way to distract yourself. My attitude to life has always been: when one door closes, another one opens somewhere. I just let it come to me.
Support from the employer or client is extremely important for stroke patients. What experiences have you had?
Initially, of course, many people got in touch, but as the saying goes: "The show must go on" - and in this case without me. Perhaps a permanent employment relationship would have been better at this point. That would have given me more security, or at least a better feeling and one less thing to worry about.
Due to your open approach to your fate, you have now become an important ambassador for stroke awareness. What advice would you give to people who find themselves in a similar situation?
Unfortunately, you need a lot of patience. That's not my middle name, but you have to go through it. You learn over time that you can only make progress in small steps. But even a mouse makes progress. Giving up is not an option. It's a challenge, but you can overcome it. You shouldn't get upset about things you can't change. It's like a traffic jam or the weather, it doesn't help.
After your stroke, you wrote a few books, went on tour again with your own stage program and are currently making a podcast together with a friend. Is there anything else you really want to do?
I love painting and have already had exhibitions. I'd like to do that again. And, of course, travel a lot and see the world. `
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