How Can Cardiomyopathy Affect Your Mental Health? 4 Tips To Help Manage Your Emotions

Your physical wellbeing matters so much, and you know it. This is especially true if you’re battling cardiomyopathy. You’re probably doing everything possible to adhere to all the lifestyle management instructions recommended by your doctors. That’s commendable and is proof of how much value you place on your health. 

Cardiomyopathy and your mental health

The impact that cardiomyopathy has on your psychological health can be overwhelming. You may be overcome by the sudden thought that you’re going to miss out on the life you've dreamed of and will have to adjust your expectations. It may feel a lot like a bereavement.

It's also normal to be worried about the physical activities you can no longer engage in and how your social life may be altered. Somehow, you begin to feel isolated. With all these thoughts running through your mind, you start to feel unwell and worry about how others will see you. 

If you are dealing with cardiomyopathy, the above-mentioned concerns may describe your mental situation. You can’t help but think about the short-term and long-term effects of your condition. Will you be able to work? How long will you live? Would you have to start relying on others to carry out tasks that you used to perform by yourself?

Different stages and how they might impact emotional well-being

Many people can stay mentally stable with the proper management of their cardiomyopathy. However, it is when changes start to occur in their condition that their emotional well-being takes a toll. Many begin to worry about new developments.

Here are some ways that cardiomyopathy may affect the mental health of some patients:

• When symptoms first show up, patients can get worried. Signs like fatigue and palpitations can be unsettling. 
• During diagnosis, some people may feel a sense of relief because they now know what their issue is and the methods to treat it. However, this is not always the case for others who may become shocked and angry. Some people may experience a rush of emotions and feel confused. 
• If the symptoms or disease change for the worse after patients have come to terms with managing and keeping it stable, new worries can arise. Old feelings may resurface and patients will show deep concern about how new events will affect them.
• When patients need to have implants that can help their heart perform and lower the risk of complications, it can be an challenging period. They have to come to terms with the fact that their condition is serious. This usually leads to new worries. Patients may wonder what would happen if the device suddenly stopped working or if it gave an inappropriate shock.
• When signs of heart failure show up, cardiomyopathy patients get extremely worried and scared. They feel that their heart may stop at any moment even with treatment.

4 tips to help manage your emotions

Take care of yourself physically

Your physical well-being and mental health are interlinked. Eat healthy, balanced foods and keep your weight in check. This can help to lower the onset of cardiomyopathy symptoms and reduce the extra strain on your heart. 

Stay active through regular exercise to keep fit and healthy. Exercise helps to relieve depression and stress. You’ll also be doing your heart a favor as physical activity enhances heart muscle strength and blood circulation. Talk to your doctor to help find the kind of exercise that is right for you.

Create some time for yourself

Learn to take a break and do something that you love. Getting off your daily routine now and then can alleviate stress and positively affect your psychological health. Also, you’ll develop more confidence in yourself as you reflect on positive thoughts. Personal time may be to take a couple of minutes from your schedule to sit and meditate. You could also engage in a favorite pastime activity of yours. 

Don’t be hard on yourself

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Reflect on what you would do if a friend of yours had a similar condition. What kind words would you say to them to lift their emotions? Try to treat yourself the same way you would treat them. Your feelings are natural, so, never see them as a sign that you are weak. This mindset can help to channel your thoughts towards positivity and empower you to cope better with your feelings. 

Seek professional help

It helps to talk to a trusted friend or loved one about how you feel even if they may not fully grasp what you are going through. They may not be familiar with the symptoms of your cardiomyopathy. While it can be challenging to ask for help, reaching out to a friend or health professional can help you to find the much-needed strength to stay positive. 

Conclusion

Talk to your doctor regularly about your cardiomyopathy and how you feel. You will find their suggestions helpful. Being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy can put a significant strain on your emotional health but you can take back control and manage your emotions better.