After suffering a HA and then recently a TIA (all in the space of 12 months) then aswell as my health taking a bit of a pounding, my mental health has too.
It’s a bit of a cliche, but us “blokes” tend to bottle everything up and suffer in silence which makes things a million times worse. I got to the stage where I’ve reached out and started some counselling which I’ll hopefully really benefit from.
The reason for this post is to highlight that if anyone is struggling then please reach out and speak to someone, don’t suffer in silence. There are many support channels out there and people willing to help.
Best wishes to all.
Written by
ROBBO36
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After a stroke (caused by AF) in 2019, I physically healed well, however the psychological affects were enormous, I couldn't talk about the stroke without breaking down. I was referred for counselling which was a god send and got me through it. I believe anyone that has faced a potential life threatening event, needs psychological help to come to terms with it. I hope the counselling works for you.
Well done for sharing! I think it’s just not talked enough about, with any cardiac event “big” or “small” it can a MASSIVE impact on mental health. Also, it can be extremely hard and mentally wearing when you are getting a diagnosis.
I had a double bypass two years ago which was quite “big” and before the op I thought I was fine but after it, I cried everyday for weeks! And I’m not a crier at all! Despite that, it still took me longer to find a therapist than it did to run 5km!! I think that was part of the problem, my body did such a great job of healing that it took too long for me to ask for help for my head.
It took a year to get a diagnosis to find out why I needed the op in the first place which was very hard and there was a physical difference in me as (sorry lads) my cycle got longer and longer. I had to get help.
There is a happy ending though! I worked with my therapist and our sessions stopped in august 2023 and my cycle is back to normal, and I feel so much better everyday.
I salute you Robbo, it’s harder as a guy to ask for help. So glad you put this post up. I wish you all the very best xxx
Life can be difficult and extremely challenging, particularly when we face multiple medical issues!Well done for reaching out and also sharing your experience.
I have no doubt you will benefit from the counselling
I can so relate with you I had Heart attack April 2023 followed by TIA September 2023.
To my family and friends I am doing ok but really inside I’m not. I’m scared, anxious and worried all the time but don’t want them to be concerned . I don’t sleep very well as still having flashbacks to being in hospital etc .
I am going to look into getting some councelling .
Sounds like we’ve had pretty similar experiences. I hope you are doing okay and best wishes. Maybe something here for you to ponder nhs.uk/mental-health/talkin...
well done you for reaching out and for sharing your experiences on here to help others , so pleased you are doing well with your counselling I wish you a good healthy future 🥰
HiGood to see you have reached out and asked for help. As you say,men do tend to find that a bit harder and suffer in silence. I had counselling after my heart attack and it really helped me. Jules x
I am a Counsellor myself now but prior to qualification I had my own therapy for anxiety and OCD. It changed my life and was the best money I ever spent. I am about to return to therapy for a 'top up'.
Hi I don’t post a lot but I read every day I get what you are saying well done for seeking some help, can I say sometimes we all need a little help, I really struggled after my HA in 2022, scariest time of my life I can tell you all within a few hours my whole life changed woke in the night with an uncomfortable chest thought I had indigestion little did I know I was having a HA long story short ambulance took me to hospital spent a little time in resus before they tried to fit a stent this was not possible so straight to theatre after a quick visit from my hubby and son and a bypass was performed ( I had suffered a STEMI)
Now I am a very strong lady, I’m always the one to help others but my goodness it was me that needed help I didn’t realise how vulnerable I was feeling but once I realised this I sought the help I admitted I was really struggling ( still do sometimes even now)
The doctor I seen was brilliant she tought me coping mechanisms and I tried them all until I found ones that helped me, just talking to a stranger helped, I cried every session and didn’t think I was getting anywhere for months!
Keep talking and be honest with how your feeling, things will start to look up, I am just coming up to my 2 year post HA and I am starting to struggle again I don’t know why but I am so for me it’s back to basics
Thanks for telling me about your own story. Certainly sounds like a lot for you to cope with. We probably don’t like to accept it (and as you say) that we are all vulnerable. Great to hear you got some good support and please reach out again if you are struggling once more.
I completely agree. I really don't know where I'd be now if I hadn't turned to counselling when I first became ill 6 years ago. It's good to hear that you're getting the mental health support you need.
I think much more needs to be done by the medical services to understand the impact of a heart condition on mental health.
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