Your Emotional Health

Living with Heart Disease…

Your Emotional Health

Research has shown emotional well-being leads to longer, healthier lives for people with heart disease. It is just as important as your physical health. The next few pages will teach you how to deal with the emotional concerns experienced by people suffering from heart disease.

Depression

Depression can make you feel unhappy, down or sad every day. You may lose interest in hobbies, activities and people you used to enjoy. Depression may also cause you to: • Feel worthless, guilty or helpless • Feel hopeless about the future • Have trouble sleeping or sleep more than usual • Not feel like eating or eat more than usual • Feel tired, weak or low in energy • Have trouble concentrating, remembering or making decisions • Withdraw from family and friends Remember: Depression is a treatable problem and is very common among people with heart disease. If you have signs of depression, talk with your Cardiac Rehab Team or health care provider

Stay Involved

You’ve gone through a life-altering event and this is the time you need support from friends and family. Find people who: • Will listen when you need to talk • Give you advice when needed • Are affectionate toward you

What Can You Do?

• Keep doing the hobbies you enjoy • Try a new activity • Stay involved with your family and friends • Join a heart disease support group

Living with Heart Disease…

Dealing with Stress

Learning how to react to life’s ups and downs can make a difference in your health. Learning to be aware of yourself and the choices you make is the first step in dealing with stress. Keep these simple ideas in mind: • Identify your stressors • Have realistic expectations • Change your response to stress • Talk to someone about your stress • Take time to relax • Visualize peaceful settings when relaxing

Sex and Intimacy

People who have heart trouble often develop strong feelings that can affect their desire for sex. Some are afraid for the future and feel angry this has happened to them. As your body heals, your interest and desire for sex are likely to return. An intimate relationship is built on shared feelings. Talking honestly with your partner is the first step to rebuilding intimacy. When you talk remember the following: • Choose a time when you are both relaxed • Pick a place where you feel at ease and won’t be interrupted • Listen to each other • Acknowledge each other’s concerns • Support each other and be patient If you’ve had Heart Surgery it takes your breastbone time to heal. Until then, try positions that put less strain on your chest and avoid movements that cause chest discomfort.

* Having sex is only part of being intimate. Don’t push yourself if you are not ready. Try hugging, kissing and touching first.