Connect
Heart Disease: Let’s Talk About the Emotional Side
Recovery from a cardiovascular event is not easy; it’s not just the physical pain–the emotional pain can be an unexpected challenge. Depression, anxiety, fatigue, feelings of guilt, emotional distress are common repercussions of heart disease, heart attacks, heart failure or heart surgery.
Talking with people who’ve gone through a similar experience can help make sense of the emotional and psychological aspects of heart disease. Connect is a place where such honest conversations can safely take place, where you can learn to feel better, together. I invite you to share your thoughts and emotions.
How has a heart-related diagnosis/treatment affected your mind and mood? How did you cope with these emotions? What strategies and tips would you offer a friend who’s going through a similar experience?
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HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.
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That's great you want to check them out! If you look at the top of the screen you will see a "Support Groups" listed. Click on it and scroll down to Depression and Anxiety. There are many, many posts on this support group and lot a information. You can also type in the search area anything you are interested in find more information. Let me know if that works...ok?
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1 ReactionThank you John, the link is what I was looking for but unable to post. That should be much easier for @sally12345.
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1 ReactionI had Death anxiety for 2 years following my Heart Attack, which raised my BP and caused more anxiety. Where do I find a Group for that
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2 ReactionsHello @mbg1, There is another older discussion started by @thankful that I think you might find helpful to read through. Even though the last post was in 2018, many of the members who posted are still active on Connect and may be able to respond to any questions you might have.
--- Staying healthy physically (and mentally) post heart attack: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hi-there-i-just-now-joined-your-group-and-after-reading-a/.
I think you might also find this article from last December helpful:
--- Life After a Heart Attack: Caring for Your Mental Health: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-protect-your-mental-health-after-a-heart-attack/.
You can easily find other discussion support groups by clicking on the Support Groups link at the top of the Connect page. Here are two other support groups where you might find a discussion that is helpful:
--- Mental Health Support Group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mental-health/
--- Depression & Anxiety Support Group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/depression-anxiety/
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5 ReactionsI had open heart surgery 4 years ago and so far been fine. The one thing I struggle with is the thought process each day with any feeling that is odd, "is something going to happen?" I drive down the road on trips and if I feel something in my chest or have a flutter, I'm looking for the nearest mile marker so I know where I am if I have to call 911. I don't want to feel like this and have faith but the journey has been hard and I'm not sure how to turn the corner? Thank you!
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3 ReactionsHi @stacyb, and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm sorry you are having such a rough time with your feelings and struggles after open heart surgery. I think it's normal to have anxious thoughts after going through something as big as open heart surgery. I like that you said you have faith and that you have been fine so far. Four years goes by fast, doesn't it? It probably still seems like it just happened. It will be three years this year for me, and I still remember every detail of my experience. I struggled a bit too afterwards. Did it work? Is my HCM growing back? Why is my heart racing? What if I pass out on my hike? Things like that. Having faith means we have to put our trust in someone besides ourselves, and sometimes that is difficult. Have you thought about seeking counseling? Have you talked to your doctor about your feelings and fears?
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1 Reaction@karukgirl yes actually, I started with someone and shortly after she decided to retire. If anyone reading has done counseling before you know it's a lot to get started (I'm actually a pysch major) and I haven't had the energy to start again. I didn't know if there was anything helpful that others have done or said to themselves that has helped. An epiphany of sorts? When I have trouble going to sleep I recite the Lord's prayer over and over until I fall asleep again 🙂
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-intensive-care-syndrome-pics-lets-talk/
I wonder if the link posted would be helpful to you? A lot of people do struggle after something so major...so you are not alone! Mayo Connect has tons of information available in many different support groups. Take a look around, maybe one will be your "epiphany!"
Being able to give your cares and anxiety to God is the best way to deal with stress, but it's easier said than done! He truly is in control, we need only trust and believe. Don't give up on finding another therapist. It may take some effort, but connecting with the right one can change everything! Are you able to get out and walk in nature? Do you have a beloved hobby you can do when feeling like you are empty?
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1 ReactionHi, this is eirrol, I feel a very strong need to tell you about a fantastic book ( audio for me) that I feel will help you greatly with the emotions you are feeling after heart surgery. It is written by a therapist Doreen Virtue and titled Healing with the Angels. Quite remarkable. I am using it myself. God bless you on this journey. ❤️
Hello- I am a 44 year old heart attack survivor. This is my first CONNECT post. I am so lost 75% of the time in depression and fear that I am having another heart attack. Evenings and bedtime are horrible. It has been 18 months and I am still miserable.... Any recommendations/good vibes would be great!