Talking to your family/carer about how you feel
Many people believe there is some stigma associated with having emotional problems. Don’t worry, feelings of depression, anxiety and fear are very common when someone is diagnosed with a serious medical condition such as heart failure. If you are having difficulty coping with your feelings about your heart failure, it’s important that you seek help and support.
One of the most powerful things you can do to combat these negative emotions is to talk about these feelings with someone close to you. Sometimes the simple act of voicing a worry or fear out loud can make it more manageable and less overwhelming.
Talking to your partner, a close family member or a trusted friend about how you feel can be a great help. People who have more emotional support from family and friends tend to be less depressed and anxious. Unfortunately, when someone is feeling these negative emotions they tend to isolate themselves, which only makes the emotional problems worse. Reaching out to family through conversation, or by spending more time doing activities you enjoy together, or just having a family meal, can make a real difference to how you and they feel.
Humour is often a great healer. Don’t be afraid to make jokes or see the lighter side of your situation.
