You may know that coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. But did you know that your heart health is closely linked to your mental health?
What is mental health?
‘Mental health’ is an expression that is often used to describe mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
However, according to the World Health Organization, mental health is about wellness and not merely the absence of a mental health condition. It is “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community”.
Anxiety and depression are two mental health conditions commonly related to heart disease.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a word we use to describe how we feel when we are worried or stressed. But it is more than that.
Anxious feelings are a normal reaction to a situation where a person feels under pressure and usually pass once the stressful situation is over, or the stressor is removed. However, for someone experiencing anxiety, these feelings can happen without any reason and can continue after the stressful event has passed. They can also be difficult to manage and make it hard to cope with everyday life.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety
There are many types of anxiety disorders and their symptoms can vary. While people experience anxiety differently, there are some common signs and symptoms including:
- panic attacks
- racing heart
- hot and cold flushes
- tightening of the chest
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviour
- excessive worry, fear or catastrophising
- avoiding situations that may cause anxiety.
Living with heart disease is one of many things that can trigger anxiety. The good news is there are many ways to manage and treat anxiety.
If you’re suffering from anxiety, the sooner you get help, the sooner you can recover.
Depression
Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious condition that has an impact on both your physical and mental health. We can all feel sad or moody occasionally, but some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time (weeks or months), and sometimes without any apparent cause.
Signs and symptoms of depression
Depression affects how a person thinks, feels and acts. Some common signs and symptoms of depression include:
- loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- withdrawing from family and friends
- being unable to concentrate and not getting things done at work or school
- feeling overwhelmed, difficulty making decisions and lacking in confidence
- increased alcohol and other drug use
- loss or change of appetite
- significant weight loss or gain
- trouble getting to sleep, staying asleep and being tired during the day
- feeling worthless, helpless and guilty
- increased irritability, frustration and moodiness
- feeling unhappy, sad or miserable most of the time
- negative thoughts such as, ‘I’m a failure’, ‘Life’s not worth living’, ‘People would be better off without me’.
Like anxiety, there are effective treatments available, and it is important to seek help early.
Social isolation, loneliness and mental health
Positive and respectful social connections are important for our mental and physical wellbeing.
Feeling lonely or being socially isolated have been linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety and suicide.
Visit Lifeline Tel. 13 11 14 for more information on social isolation and loneliness. You can also speak to your doctor or mental health support team to find out ways to help feeling less lonely.
Links between mental health conditions and heart disease
- Anxiety, depression and coronary heart disease are common conditions and often occur together.
- Mental health conditions – such as anxiety and depression – can develop after having a heart attack or heart surgery.
- Depression and anxiety are both independent risk factors for heart disease.
- Depression can affect the recovery of people with coronary heart disease and increase their risk of further heart problems, such as another heart attack.
- People who experience loneliness or social isolation have an increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
Looking after your mental health and heart health
There are many things you can do to look after your mental health and improve your heart health. These are especially important if you have heart disease.
Speak to your doctor
Like heart disease, there are many effective ways to treat anxiety and depression. Your doctor can discuss medicines and lifestyle changes to help you manage both conditions.
Your doctor can also refer you to many types of health professionals who work in mental health care, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor, mental health nurse, occupational therapist and social worker. To find support in your area, visit Beyond Blue.
Participate in cardiac rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) is a program of support, exercise and education that’s led by health professionals and personalised to strengthen your heart.
If you have had a heart attack, undergone heart surgery or been diagnosed with a heart condition, attending cardiac rehab can help you make long-term lifestyle changes to improve your well-being, and reduce the risk of having another heart attack.
Through a cardiac rehab program, you will be supported to manage anxiety and depression. You’ll also get to connect with people who have had similar experiences.
Speak to your doctor or visit the Heart Foundation’s Cardiac Services Directory to find out more about a local cardiac rehab program tailored to your needs.
Make healthy lifestyle changes
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has significant benefits for your physical and mental health. Healthy lifestyle changes include:
- staying active, following a heart-healthy eating pattern, drinking less alcohol, quitting smoking
- stress and mental health
- getting enough sleep
- practising relaxation techniques.
Seek support and stay connected
It’s important to know you’re not alone and that there are many resources available to support you in looking after your heart health and mental wellbeing.
If you are worried about your thoughts or how you are feeling, tell someone and seek help. This could be your doctor, another health professional, family member or a friend.
Staying connected with people in your community can also help to strengthen your mental health and wellbeing. For example, you can consider:
- joining a local interest group
- volunteering
- getting involved with a free Heart Foundation Walking group.
For more information and support, visit the Beyond Blue website.
Where to get help
- Your GP (doctor)
- Psychologist
- Australian Psychological Society Tel. 1800 333 497 or find a psychologist service
- Cardiac rehabilitation program
- Local community health centre
- Heart Foundation
- Australian Centre for Heart Health Tel. (03) 9326 8544
- beyondblue Tel. 1300 22 4636
- Lifeline Tel. 13 11 14 – for crisis support and suicide prevention services
- Kids Helpline Tel. 1800 55 1800
- SuicideLine Tel. 1300 651 251
- SANE Australia Helpline Tel. 1800 18 SANE (7263)
- Australian Psychological Society – Find a psychologist service Tel. 1800 333 497 (outside Melbourne) or (03) 8662 3300 (in Melbourne)
- mind Tel. 1300 286 463
- Head to Health
- headspace – for youth mental health support
- Mind Tel. 1300 286 463 – for community mental health support services
- SANE Australia Helpline Tel. 1800 18 7263
- Dietitians Australia Tel. 1800 812 942 or find a dietitian
- Quitline Tel. 13 78 48
