Living With Heart Failure
  || EXERCISE || MEDICATIONS || EMOTIONS || REFERENCES ||
 

A positive attitude can contribute to anyone’s good health. However, that sort of attitude can be difficult to maintain when one is faced with a chronic illness or disability. Such illness produces emotional reactions such as anger, sadness, frustration, and especially fear. These add to the distress and suffering, and may also make the physical symptoms worse. Sometimes people are ashamed of these feelings, or do not know how to express them.

Most people make sure they get the best possible modern treatments for their physical symptoms, but the psychological aspects often go unnoticed, or are accepted as inevitable. This is regrettable, because depression can usually be eliminated or reduced with safe and effective treatments. Being depressed is a drag; getting rid of it not only is a great relief in itself, but it also frees up energy for self-care and enjoyable activities. Another good reason to treat depression is that it impairs the immune system, possibly worsening the current illness, and predisposing to new ones.

Mind/Body Connection: How Your Emotions Affect Your Health

 

  • Express your feelings in appropriate ways. If feelings of stress, sadness or anxiety are causing physical problems, keeping these feelings inside can make you feel worse. It’s OK to let your loved ones know when something is bothering you. However, keep in mind that your family and friends may not be able to help you deal with your feelings appropriately. At these times, ask someone outside the situation—such as your family doctor, a counselor or a religious advisor--for advice and support to help you improve your emotional health.
  • Live a balanced life. Try not to obsess about the problems at work, at school or at home that lead to negative feelings. This doesn’t mean you have to pretend to be happy when you feel stressed, anxious or upset. It’s important to deal with these negative feelings, but try to focus on the positive things in your life too. You may want to use a journal to keep track of things that make you feel happy or peaceful. Some research has shown that having a positive outlook can improve your quality of life and give your health a boost. You may also need to find ways to let go of some things in your life that make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. Make time for things you enjoy.
  • Calm your mind and body. Relaxation methods, such as meditation, are useful ways to bring your emotions into balance. Meditation is a form of guided thought. It can take many forms. For example, you may do it by exercising, stretching or breathing deeply. Ask your family doctor for advice about relaxation methods.
  • Take care of yourself. To have good emotional health, it’s important to take care of your body by having a regular routine for eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep and exercising to relieve pent-up tension. Avoid overeating and don’t abuse drugs or alcohol. Using drugs or alcohol just causes other problems, such as family and health problems.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Website created & maintained by: K. Clark RN (Corky8@optonline.net) Last update 06/26/2006 All information contained in this website is based on medical research and is provided for general education.  Always consult your doctor before you engage in any type of health remedy or procedure.  This site is not a substitute for regular medical care.