Beat the post heart-attack blues with simple steps
Experiencing depression after a heart attack is normal. Up to a third of heart attack patients end up experiencing some degree of depression. But it's also treatable. Follow these tips from John Peng, MD, a primary care doctor at Virginia Mason Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle, to take your life back.
Be honest with your doctor
If something feels off, don't be afraid to bring it up with your doctor, Dr. Peng urges. Even if you don't think your cardiologist or primary care doctor is the best person to talk to about your mental health, he or she will be able to refer you to someone trained to help you. Common symptoms of depression include:
- Fatigue
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Low appetite or overeating
- Oversleeping
Admitting to feeling depressed is not a sign of weakness, Dr. Peng says, but a way to enable yourself to begin feeling better. Plus, treating your depression may lower your odds of having another heart attack, research suggests.
Know your options
The treatment you choose should depend on how severe your depression is and what you're comfortable with, Dr. Peng says. Some good options include:
- Medication
- Therapy
- Mind-body practices, such as yoga and tai chi
- Exercise
- Survivor support groups
While you may typically think of medication as a last resort, Dr. Peng says it's often the most effective, especially if your depression is severe and interfering with your ability to try other options.
Don't rush
Instead of deciding to start exercising, meditating, and eating salad for every meal right off the bat, Dr. Peng suggests working on one thing at a time to boost your chances of success. For example, maybe you want to start exercising and you enjoy riding your bike. One week, give yourself the goal of hauling your bike out, then plan a route the next week. Eventually you'll be biking around your neighborhood a few times a week.
"An incremental approach is more realistic," he says. "To shake the negative, you just have to string together a bunch of positive."
Take action
Ready to make a change? Make an appointment to talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Your mind—and your heart—will thank you.