Depression
Almost everyone feels sad or "depressed" at certain times, but clinical depression is stronger and lasts longer.
People with depression experience a number of symptoms, including sadness, loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy, changes in appetitie, sleep problems, reduced interest in sexual activity, difficulties with concentration or memory, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of or plans related to suicide. Depression is common in people with heart problems: About one in five patients (20 per cent) experiences clinical depression.
How Depression Affects Your Heart
Depression has specific physical effects that put your heart at risk. It increases the risk of blood clotting and causes problems with the inner lining of your blood vessels. This leads to the buildup of plaque and to the development of atherosclerosis.
Depression also has general effects that cause additional risk to your heart. It weakens your immune system and, like stress, it also influences some of the decisions you make around exercise, healthy eating, and taking medications safely.
What to Do If You Are Feeling Depressed
- Seek support from your family and friends or from support groups
- Share your fears and worries with someone you trust
- Determine how much control you have in a given situation and let go of things that are beyond your control
- Make plans to do things you enjoy, and then do them
- Take time for yourself
- Participate in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
- Set goals around becoming physically active, then take action, because physical activity promotes relaxation and the release of endorphins (anti-stress hormones)
- Celebrate your achievements
- Recognize when you need extra help and talk to your doctor or a mental health professional (social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist)
