A heart event or diagnosis can greatly impact the person who experienced it, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. Recognising this can help you to support them. It's also important to remember that you are not alone in your role as carer and that support is available for you too.
Peer support is where people with common experiences or challenges come together to give and receive support. This can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation by connecting with others who have gone through a similar journey and understand what you are going through.
Peer support communities can give you or your loved one a chance to connect with others in a similar situation, share experiences and get support.
The Heart Foundation’s MyHeart MyLife Community is open to people living with a heart condition and their loved ones and carers.
Your GP is a great person to chat to about any mental health concerns you or your loved one might have. You can go with your loved one to their appointment and sit with them or wait outside, depending on what they prefer.
Your GP can also help you decide whether your loved one might benefit from a referral to a psychologist. Other health professionals with experience in mental health can also provide support including:
If your loved one has had a mental health diagnosis before, a heart event can make managing their mental health more challenging. Encourage them to check in with their mental health support team.
Don’t forget, it’s important for you to look after your own physical and emotional health as well. Support is available for you too if you need it. Speak to your GP for help, or reach out to one of the support services listed 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.
Last updated28 May 2024