Heart attack is a growing public health issue and remains the major cause of a threat worldwide.
The physical recovery of someone having history of recent heart attack is easy to understand.
But do you know it’s equally important to address emotional needs if you are one of the survivor of heart attack.
Yes, heart attack can trigger a host of emotional health issues.
Also Check : Emotional Impact Of Heart Disease
After surviving a heart attack, you may suffer from mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
If the heart attack is abrupt and unexpected, this may leave little time to process what is happening with you and that can cause significant emotional strain.
Sadness and depression often follow after a serious heart attack. Feeling low can lead to irritability, frustration or loss of interest in previously enjoyable work. This significantly affects your sleep pattern and eating habits.
Preoccupation with fearful thoughts like “something’s not right” make you feel afraid and on edge. You juggle unknown as what to expect or start to contemplate how your life may be different in the future.
If you are experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you often become anxious, always on high alert mode, have trouble with concentration or sleeping and avoid the places and behaviors that remind you of the traumatic event. You can anticipate the chances of recurrence of a sudden heart attack.
Concerns about paid employment, financial strain and medical cost take a significant mental toll.
Someone who was always a caretaker of family might suddenly be the one who needs care. This could alter family dynamics as roles change. You may feel less confident in your ability to fulfill your expected role as father or mother.
If you are obese or smoker or have unhealthy lifestyle, guilt for this behavior that has increased your risk for heart attack is difficult to escape. It’s too easy to isolate yourself when you’re going through tough time.
Unsettling emotional strains compromise your ability to manage healthy behavior. You have a harder time engaging in and completing programs like cardiac rehabilitation or adopting a healthy lifestyle. You are less likely to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. You may not be able to engage in work to the degree you had in the past.
Failing to address these emotional issues have direct influence on healing and also reduce chances of successful recovery.
Regaining emotional health
It’s important to know that your feelings are valid no matter what they are. But it’s equally important to know that your feelings might be taking you down on unhealthy path that will affect recovery process.
As a survivor you can lead productive life when you prioritize emotional well-being and make healthy lifestyle changes.
First thing is getting educated about your disease. The more you understand about a disease pattern, the better able to learn techniques to manage your emotions.
Behavioral activation in the form of pushing yourself out of bed, getting dressed and having breakfast are important. The idea is to get back yourself into enjoyable and meaningful activities to feel better.
Prioritizing self-care with enough attention on relaxation, sleep, healthy diet and exercise promote health and well-being. A daily routine with enough attention on healthy habits such as engaging in regular exercise; journaling; pursuing a hobby; eating healthy foods; nurturing a relationship with family and friends; engaging in creative activities and having a quality sleep all have an immense potential to make a difference. This gives you a break from all your worries and therefore, an excellent way to restore yourself.
Be a part of supportive community. A sense of community belonging assures you that you are part of a much bigger picture. Supportive connections involving a network of family and friends ensure safety that create a sense of being cared for.
Be proactive in seeking professional help instead of suffering in silence. Psychological therapies are proven effective therapies for all age groups. It involves discussion or talking about your thoughts and getting an insight into the way of your thinking as well as your behavior.
It is impossible to completely eliminate problems from life. But it is possible to engage with them in a healthy way so that they no longer cripple you. You can’t control the external forces that impact your life, but you can control how you react to them.
Also Check : Positive Psychology For Living A Better Life
Disclaimer
Mediclin Brain Health’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
