An Emotional Roller Coaster Ride after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery

My Heart & Mind with Sallie Crawley - Life after a Heart Attack or Cardiac Surgery

My Heart & Mind with Sallie Crawley - Life after a Heart Attack or Cardiac Surgery
An Emotional Roller Coaster Ride after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery
Jun 23, 2025 Season 3 Episode 37
Sallie Crawley

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:

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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.