The Mental And Emotional Effects Of Heart Disease
A recent article on heart disease in the prominent journal, Congenital Heart Disease, proposes that since the numbers of CHD patients are set to rise in coming years, there is going to be an increase in the need for psychotherapy to aid patients through the often traumatic process of recovery. Typically, cardiac surgery for inherited defects aims not to cure but merely to help the patient, and most patients need more treatment and further operations. Just as with most any other illness or disease, this particular problem can definitely put a lot of wear and tear on an individual in any way that you could probably guess.
There has been little by way of investigation of the long-term psychological effect on individuals who are led to mistrust an organ that is such an essential part of their body’s function. Often, the patient’s psychological state doesn’t really reflect their physical fitness or the severity of the physical symptoms they might still experience. Their subjective impression of what constitutes full recovery and physical fitness can be a strong determinant in their future health. Taking care of the physical body is not the only thing crucial to ones health, as there is usually more to be done. Having people that are there for you and act as a support system is a big help as well - as this can potentially lead to a much faster and enjoyable recovery.
Many psychologists specializing in cardiac rehabilitation see depression, anxiety, anger, frustration and even fear as a normal part of recovery. Patients should definitely spend at least an hour with a psychologist in the field for an assessment of what it will take to bring them to a state of not just objective, by-the-numbers but also personal, self-assessed well-being. Otherwise, unaddressed psychological problems can grown in negative behavior patterns that will persist until treated by professionals. Patients, having come to the cusp of death, are often drawn to considerations of their own mortality that can turn morbid. Their loss of trust in their own bodies and feelings of powerlessness can lead to their entering into the role of victim, and even of returning to the destructive patterns of behavior that put them in the hospital in the first place.
They will no longer be unaware of the risks of their behavior, say experts, and as such are likely to experience stress and guilt that can impact on their chances of recovery. Some things that you can do if you are facing problems with heart disease and you need an emotional lift are: go out and enjoy your family and friends as you can, exercise in fun activities that are fun and exciting but at the same time are safe and acceptable for your condition, try new things or get new hobbies that you have probably never thought you would be doing or be able to. People would be amazed at how having a positive attitude and brightening up their emotional state can directly impact their fight against heart disease.