Life after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery | Mental, Emotional & Practical Heart Health Wellness
Sallie Crawley is a heart attack survivor, cardiac coach and therapist. She specialises in holistic heart health and helping survivors and their families navigate the "emotional and mental rehab" that follows a life-changing cardiac event.
This show delivers actionable strategies regarding heart health wellness, rebuilding your confidence, managing health anxiety, and implementing practical wellness tools for life after your event or diagnosis. If you are looking for emotional support and expert mindset tips from someone who has walked the path of a heart patient, you are in the right place.
This podcast provides valuable insights for heart attack survivors, heart surgery patients (bypass, stents, valve repair), cardiac arrest survivors, those living with implantable devices (ICDs and pacemakers), and their families.
If you want to learn how to move past the fear of "what if" and manage your energy so you can live a full, happy life again, you are in the right place!
This show will provide answers to questions like:
- How do I manage the fear of having another heart attack?
- What does long-term heart health look like beyond just medication?
- How do I adjust to life with implantable devices like an ICD or pacemaker?
- Why do I feel depressed or anxious after my heart surgery?
- How can I rebuild my confidence when my body feels different?
- How do I manage fatigue and improve my energy levels naturally?
- Is it safe to exercise or be intimate after a cardiac event?
- How do I talk to my family about my recovery and emotional needs?
- How do I stop the "inner critic" and find joy after a heart diagnosis?
- What are the best mindset tools for long-term cardiac wellness?
🎧 Follow now to start healing from the inside out.
Life after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery | Mental, Emotional & Practical Heart Health Wellness
037 An Emotional Roller Coaster Ride after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery
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A cardiac event, whether a heart attack or surgery, doesn't just impact your physical health; it can dramatically affect your emotional well-being. In this episode, we explore the emotional roller coaster ride that often follows, akin to the stages of grief.
We discuss:
- Grief Beyond Loss: How losing your "old life" after a cardiac event is a valid form of grief.
- The Change Curve: A model based on Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's stages of grief, adapted to the cardiac recovery journey.
We'll look at stages like:
- Shock & Denial: The initial disbelief and feeling "it can't be that bad."
- Frustration & Depression: The anger, low mood, and profound sadness as the reality sets in.
- Experiment, Decision & Integration: Moving towards actively helping yourself, making positive life choices, and ultimately accepting your new self.
If you're struggling with the emotional aftermath of a cardiac event, this episode offers understanding, validation, and a path forward.
Key Takeaways:
- Emotional recovery is a journey, often mirroring stages of grief.
- It's normal to feel shock, denial, frustration, or depression after a cardiac event.
- You can move towards acceptance and integration into your new life.
- You are not alone; connecting with others is crucial for support.
Resources Mentioned:
- Book: Sallie's book (for more on this topic, search Amazon for Sallie's books).
- Facebook Group: My Heart & Mind Community (A supportive group for those with similar experiences).
- Email Support: sallie@myheartandmind.co.uk (For further help or questions).
- The Emotional Roller Coaster Ride after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery (Image of the Grief Model)
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Read the complete article here Podcast & Blog Page.
Getting to know Sallie Crawley
Survivorship after a heart attack or cardiac surgery can be challenging. You can rebuild the puzzle of your life and thrive. It takes one beat at a time and the support of people who have had similar experiences. You are not alone. Join me and other hearties in the My Heart & Mind Community, you'll get a warm welcome. You can also visit my website www.myheartandmind.co.uk.
Disclaimer
The information contained within my podcast and on my website is for general information purposes only. It is not official health advice and is not intended to be used as such. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website is strictly at your own risk. If you have any questions relating to specific health concerns or you think you may be suffering from a medical condition, you must consult a medical professional immediately. You must also consult a medical professional before making any changes to your normal lifestyle habits. You can read my full disclaimer here.