Emotional wellbeing/mental health

Welcome to our new online community! Here's a space for you to discuss your emotional and mental health. Many people experience conditions such as depression or anxiety following the diagnosis of heart disease or after they've had a heart attack, so we hope this forum helps you to support each other through some tough times.

[Aliebee]

Hi so good to find somewhere to talk over how I have been feeling, I had two heart attacks last year and a seizure whilst having a stent fitted, I got very depressed afterwards and the anxiety was awful, I didn't expect any of this, it was such a shock, I am only just coming to terms with it all. Has anyone else experienced this? Thank you

Ps I felt so good when I got home after the first heart attack.

[Sina-6491 in reply to Aliebee]

Yes I have just booked up for counselling today. Not for my health issues though. I kind of have the attitude of, yes you had a heart attack, you're still here. Yes you've had a bypass, you are still here. And of course I have had various medical issues over the years like thyroid etc. I just get on with things as best I can. I am quite a realist & with ppositive attitude. Generally giving the counselling to whoever seems to need it.

No I would say my stress & anxiety that seems to have hung around for a while. Is the people l'm closes to, getting into unnecessary situations that effects everyone around them when it goes wrong. When they all bring their mess to my doorstep. Then I start worrying about them & how they will fix whatever it is. When really it's not my problem.

Then they'll say, oh sorry, don't want you to worry, not in your condition. Ha! I think well then, why bring it to me, if you don't want me to worry.

So anyway, I thought, do you know what, it's my time to get some support. I have made sure I have told all concerned. Hoping maybe they will start growing up & take responsibility for there own mistakes.

As I said, I am not worried about heart situation, what will be, will be. But I don't however want their issues upsetting me to the point of anxiety, which inturn will bring on any future heart issues before they are due.

I am hoping the counsellor will teach me better coping mechanisms, when others problems get to close to home....

[mrsk06 in reply to Sina-6491]

It's good that you've made that decision for counselling a big hats off to you! Yeah familit's are great for that technique of unloading their problegs to you and then say that after what you've been through! It's a learning curve and Its my husband that's had the heart attack and not me but im ginding it hard getting my head round an event like that so fingers crossed the counselling with give your the techniques to stay calm and positive. But this community is great to get us feeling good again too x

[Sina-6491 in reply to mrsk06]

Yep it really is.

Listen, this is a huge shock for you. A what with the little ones.

So please make sure you also look after you number 1.

Or you'll simply burn out & you'll no good to anyone.

Make sure you find someone you can really talk to & grab rest where you can.

I hope your husband is feeling a whole lot better now & maybe a little less confussed x

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

I'm sure most people feel deep shock at heart attacks, and you've been through a lot. I have found it v hard to keep being positive, repeatedly, with each heart attack. A couple of ideas I found useful. Each event gave me a v strong feeling of loss. Loss of activity, loss of health, feelings of mortality etc etc. But, over time, I have learned to make the most of what I've got. It's been hard, takes time, and counselling helped.

My daughter also reminded me 'you're not defined by your illness'. It was a shock, as I thought she meant I dwelt in it too much. But it's true. I'm still myself inside!

I hope you pick up. Let me know how you get on.