It has only been a few days or weeks since your heart event or diagnosis, so you may be overwhelmed with emotions. You might be sad, angry, anxious, lonely or confused. What happened to you was a big deal, and it’s normal to feel big emotions.
Feeling down after a heart event or diagnosis is so common there’s a name for it – ‘the cardiac blues’. While it can be distressing, the cardiac blues usually get better with time and support.
Listen to health psychologist Dr Rosemary Higgins as she talks about the cardiac blues and where to go for support if you are feeling stressed, worried or helpless after your heart event.
Finding someone you feel comfortable talking to is an important step to recovery. It could be someone in your healthcare team, a family member, or a friend. Keep active and stay connected with family and friends. Joining a cardiac rehab program or support group can also help you connect with people who’ve been through a similar experience.
Explore the common emotions after a heart event or diagnosis.
For many people, these feelings and changes in mood go away in the first few weeks. However, if your mood isn’t getting better or if you're worried or down, speak to your doctor or reach out to any of the support services below.
Check in with your general practitioner (GP) and healthcare team to seek help in managing your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Call Lifeline (13 11 14) for confidential crisis support via phone, text, or online chat.
Call 13YARN (13 92 76) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support.
To access the Cardiac Counselling Clinic of the Australian Centre for Heart Health, phone 03 9326 8544 or register yourself at australianhearthealth.org.au.
Call Head to Health on 1800 595 212 for confidential mental health advice and support. (Please note that Head to Health is not a crisis or emergency service. For urgent support, call Lifeline or Triple Zero [000]). Visit the Head to Health website for mental health information, services and support. No appointment or GP referral is required.
Access online resources focusing on social, emotional and cultural wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples on WellMob.
Get mental health support from Beyond Blue by talking or chatting online to a counsellor or by accessing free sessions with a mental health coach. You can also call them on 1300 22 4636 for more information about mental health, treatment and management or to find a mental health practitioner in your area.
Other rural mental health services are listed in this help sheet from the National Rural Health Alliance.
The MyHeart MyLife community is a safe online group, moderated by the Heart Foundation, where you can share your experience of living with heart disease, give and receive support, and discover ways to lead a heart-healthy life with others who are on a similar recovery journey.
Last updated01 July 2024