One of the hardest things that I have found since my heart attack has been the mental challenges that I’ve faced. I can’t see much written about it, particularly from a male perspective and so if anyone has any sources they would be great to see.
I’ve written about my perspective in my blog that I am using to help me through the post attack period.
Hi
I had a heart attack 6 weeks ago at the age of 52. Like you I wasn’t ready for it and trying to come to terms with it all is very difficult. I expect it’s a natural process of recovery and I am always asking myself what if it happens again. I have spoken to my GP on a number of occasions about my mental state and he has been a good ear. His advice has been good. In addition I am having counselling which I am finding really useful. Hang in there, it will get better but please make sure to talk to someone about how you are feeling and obtain the appropriate help. Good luck.
Thanks so much. My GP has given me a number for a counsellor. I’ll be making that call this week.
I had my heart attack when I was 37. I found it really traumatic but it does get better. Speaking to the heart helpline or one of the heart helpline nurses.
In the end I found a B.H.F group and started doing charity work as is quite nice talking to people and people have no idea what you are going through.
Maybe a cognitive behavioural therapy would be useful.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes
mostin1973
Thanks so much for responding. My next step is a counsellor recommended by my GP.
You are welcome. I do get flashbacks from time to time.
It does get better with time once you get your confidence back. They diagnosed me with a blood clotting problem as had a dvt near my heart a few years later.
You'll get there. We are all here to help you through this and be around. Hope you had a good bank holiday weekend
Hi. Likewise I’ve been to down some dark rabbit holes (as I refer to them). Still having good and bad days 10 months on but the good ones outweigh the bad ones. As others said they get better with time. The whole thing has been a rollercoaster of shock disbelief fear anger sadness upset anxiety etc. However I saw a health clinical psychologist at the hospital and a counsellor at my GP surgery. There is also something called talking therapies as well that you can self refer to and should be available in your area. There are also Mental Health Charities like MIND that offer support. Also charities like CALM that specifically look at men’s mental health. As someone said a local BHF group will be a source of support also the helpline may help. Have you had rehab? Maybe speak to one of the nurses there. Your local council may have details of support groups as well. Hope this helps. Take care and stay strong. Zena
Zena, thanks so much for the comments. I’m a huge supporter of CALM . My rehab is only just starting though that seems to be exercised based from what I can tell, I have my first one this week. I hope that the rabbit holes are becoming less frequent and lighter.
The rehab nurses may point you in the right direction if you feel you need help. I had a heart attack nearly 4 yrs ago and I was upset about it and afraid for a bout a year. Rehab certainly helped meeting people in same situation although I was the youngest there. But I suppose you eventually realise and get to know how many people have had a heart in the past and have been fine if not healthier since. Taking meds every day is a constant reminder though and for some time you worry about every pain/ ache. Take advice given and look after yourself and try to get back to normal ASAP is all I can say . This site is a real help. You are not alone.
Hi my name is Matt I had a heart attack and 11 cardiac arrests in hospital on the 1st of June last year . I had 4 stents fitted. Went back to work in August the. had two unexpected panic attacks brought on by anxiety and off work for another month . went back to cardiac rehab to see pyscolgist. physically been good doing lot of swimming and cycling but still really struggled with anxiety eventually had to go anti depressants. read your blog and totally understand I really struggled mentally but as I come to my first one year anniverary it is slowly getting better the mental side. I really find exercise helps . good luck you will get there.
Matt, thanks so much for taking the time to read it and for your comments. I’m trying to do as much exercise as possible, walking is my thing at the moment and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. You are right it does help. Best with your recovery.
Eight years on from my Heart Attack at 58 i am now retired and a reasonably active 66 year old. Beleive me it does get better. Take it as not the end of the life you know but the beginning of the next stage of your life. If you want to read my story it was featured in the BHF booklet 'Returning to work after a Heart attack'
Geoff, thanks so much for commenting. I’m looking forward to the ‘getting better bit’ and yes I have seen your story in the booklet. Think I am some way from retiring though 
I am seeing it from the other side. To cut a long story short I de eloped angina early last year. After what seems a long time I was referred for a quadruple bypass. I got “Fitness for Surgery” in March after sorting out a few dental problems. Then I developed an infected tooth and was referred for extraction to an oral surgeon. Cue four weeks wait for treatment and another two before I received antibiotics to clear the infection. I got very low about it at Easter and dipped again at the end of the week. Personally, I think the stress of HA and/or heart surgery is underestimated – it may be routine to a cardiologist but to the majority of patients it is a unique, personal and scary journey!
Michael, thanks for the comments. I agree the stress and anxiety is I believe underestimated and discussed. Best with your recovery.
Nearly three years on I mainly have good posture days but I still get the negative dark thoughts where I picture life for my family after I’m gone ,
Sorry to hear that Kim, I’m not having thoughts like that, but I understand why you do. I suppose it is about maximising all of the days before, because we will all pass eventually. Filling it with beautiful wonderful memories that will live long after our passing. Best wishes Graham
It’s not all the time but I dont think taking Warfarin helps having to have blood test weekly ,especially as my blood levels are so fragile , I already had a bad bleed in my knee joint was in so much pain my leg was completely black and swollen ’s from almost top to bottom .i was in crutches for two months due to Warfarin
I notice I’m more cautious in cars and near dogs , lm concerned I get hurt , it’s like I never really got back to what I was like before surgery . And I realise I won’t make old bones , still I’m fortunate enough to still be here , I seen my daughter get married and lots of other nice things, and I’m blessed with good family home
mmm dark-side of the force 
Just in need of some support really or a place to vent 
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Does anyone know of a place I can get info to help my kids deal with this? 
