Because negative psychological states – particularly stress - can hinder a person’s physical recovery, it is important that psychological wellbeing is addressed.
Normal reactions to a cardiac event can be shock, fear, loss, anger, sleep problems, relationship issues, and the intensification of earlier issues. These usually ease as physical recovery is made. Some people experience positive feelings after a cardiac event - joy, relief, gratitude – and it is important to hold on to such feelings.
Along with genetic and lifestyle factors, stress is a major contributor to cardiac disease. It is, however, possible to manage it more effectively and to reduce the risk it poses to your health.
Further supporting information and two 15 minute relaxation exercises:
- Sleep well and tiredness (from NHS.uk)
- Stress, anxiety and depression (from NHS.uk)
- Stress (from BHF)
- Mental wellbeing audio guides (from NHS.uk)
- Moving on after a cardiac event booklet
- Listen to our Cardiac Rehab relaxation exercises.
Moving on presentation
Mental health support
Useful links to support you with your mental health…
Free counselling support
- Kent and Medway Talking Therapies (NHS) - kmtalkingtherapies.co.uk. GP or self-referral. Call 0333 091 0414 or text KMTALK to 88802. For those in Folkestone, Dover, Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Deal, Thanet, Whitstable, Herne Bay and Tenterden.
- With You - GP or self-referral. National.
Affordable counselling options
- Ashford Counselling Service – 01233 610083 or info@ashfordcounselling.org.uk
- Dover Counselling - 01304 204123. For those in Dover, Deal, Sandwich, Thanet, Folkestone, Lydd and New Romney.
- Faversham Counselling Service – 01795 5910191 or enquiries@fcskent.org
- New Romney Counselling – 01797 367809 or newromneycounsellingservices.co.uk.
Mental health matters - safe havens
Safe Havens offer out-of-hours mental health support to anyone over 18 in Kent and Medway. Run by Mental Health Matters, the Safe Havens offer drop-in support to adults in crisis. No referral or appointment is required. You do not need to live in the same area to access the services.
Contact Safe Havens
- Canterbury 07876 476 703 or 07483 163 953
- Folkestone 07967 877096 / 07967 877097
- Ramsgate 07967 877 102 / 07967 877 103
- Maidstone 01622 809 945, 07484 061684, 07816 362606
- Tunbridge Wells 07967 876 654 / 07967 876 702
- Gillingham 01634 962022
- Dartford 07967 876 695 / 07967 876 699
- Medway 07850 901 151 or 07808 795 036.
Other options
- Every Mind Matter (NHS), online help and advice
- CALM (Campaign against living miserably), a suicide prevention charity. Phone 0800 58 58 58.
- Live Well Kent - Live Well Kent runs a network of voluntary organisations and charities which provide free support for anyone aged 17 and over who lives in Kent or Medway. Phone 0800 5677699.
- MIND - useful website, online peer support groups and support
- Rethink Mental Illness - Provides support for legal advice, financial assistance and carer support.
Urgent mental health care
- Call your GP
- Call 111 outside of normal hours or visit 111 online
- Call KMPT (NHS secondary mental health services) - single point of access number 0300 222 0123 where you will be able to speak to a mental health professional to assess your needs
- Samaritans – 116 123
- Release the Pressure – 0800 107 0160
- Give us a shout – text counselling 85258
- Call 999 or go to A&E.