Heart Failure Community

EP1 Speaking From My Heart

 

EP2 Overcoming My Broken Heart

 For people living with heart failure

When you are diagnosed Image

When you are diagnosed

with heart failure, you may be
feeling lots of different
emotions.1

Fear

Fear

about the future

Anger

Anger

about your diagnosis

Stress

Stress

about managing your condition

Keeping track of your emotions

Keeping track of your emotions

is just as important. Being able to
manage them can help you
start to feel better.

Tips for managing your emotions1

Tips for managing your emotions Image

The more you understand about heart failure, the less overwhelming it will be.

Exercising image

Exercising is a great way to calm some of your anxieties.

calm your emotion

A long bath or a massage can help you feel better emotionally.

Stay Positive

It can be hard, but a positive attitude can help you find hope.

Seek profesional

A counsellor or psychologist can provide appropriate interventions to help you cope.

Support groups

Your doctor or hospital may be able to recommend a local support group.

 

For caregivers

Taking care of someone with heart failure is a long-term commitment that may take up a lot of your time and energy. That’s why it’s important that you take care of yourself! The good news is that you are not alone.

Being realistic and thinking positive is easier if you2

Seek emotional support

Seek emotional support

from friends, other family members, spiritual advisors, or healthcare providers to seek advice and share your feelings.

Assure yourself

Assure yourself

It is perfectly normal to feel angry or frustrated, to have good days and bad days. On those days do not feel guilty.

Know the signs of depression

Know the signs of depression

Reach out for help to a counsellor if you experience depression.

Keep humour in your life

Keep humour in your life

Laughter is the best medicine! Watch a silly TV program or find things to laugh about with the person in your care—that person needs joy too.

Have time for yourself

Have time for yourself

Undertake hobbies or events that you most enjoy.

Stick to the present

Stick to the present

Plan ahead, but don’t let worrying about the future rule your life.

Local support

Learn More

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Screening BC

For Your Sweetheart is a campaign to raise awareness about the critical link between diabetes and heart disease.

Click below to learn more about the campaign and get your FREE HbA1c diabetes screening voucher at any of the participating clinics or outlets.

References

  1. Organs Talk. Your emotional experience with Heart Failure. https://www.organs-talk.com/hf/living-life/emotions (accessed 19 April 2022)

  2. Organs Talk. Caregiver: Mental and emotional well-being. https://www.organs-talk.com/hf/care-partner/mental-emotional-health (accessed 19 April 2022)