Talk to Someone Who Can Help... "After my heart attack, I knew that my life would have to change dramatically. I was afraid I wouldn’t recover. I worried about the impact my illness would have on my family. I felt out of control and helpless... Then my cardiologist suggested that I talk to another doctor, a psychologist. Very soon I had the sense that things were going to be better." Dealing with the heart is not enough. Taking charge of your recovery means understanding the mind/body connection – how your illness affects you, and how your thoughts, feelings and behaviors influence your health. The best approach is one that treats you as a total person, encouraging you to do all you can to heal and make adjustments to sustain a good quality of life. Your psychologist will consult with your physician about proper medical care and will work with you on lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and stress management. How A Psychologist Can Help Psychologists are highly trained in assessing the various mental, emotional, behavioral, and social factors that can influence your recovery. These factors include: After identifying the areas that concern you, your psychologist will help you make use of your strengths and will teach you effective ways of coping with life’s pressures. Psychologists can help cardiac patients work towards a better, fuller, healthier life–which means less stress on the heart. "The whole family was walking on egg shells. We never talked about how scared we all were." "We all changed our lives in so many ways in fear of my weak heart. My family and I had to learn new things everyday." During the initial months of recovery from heart disease, coping methods evolve for the patient and the family. The perspectives developed at this time shape the recovery process for the years to come. Psychologists know that illness affects the patient, as well as the entire family, and can work with everyone involved to reduce feelings of worry and to identify issues of concern. Your psychologist will provide ways to assist you and your family with rehabilitation and in making the necessary changes to reduce the risk of future cardiac problems. Psychologists can help guide you to the road of recovery... *According to a study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. Chances are that you or a loved one will be affected by heart disease at some point in your life. If you or a loved one suffers from heart disease, the information in this brochure could be life saving. Talking to a psychologist is an important part of cardiac treatment. Share this brochure with someone you love. The Brochure Project A Joint Venture of the Divisions of Psychotherapy and Independent Practice American Psychological Association Co-Directors: Alice Rubenstein, Ed.D. and Sandra Haber, Ph.D. Publication Coordinators: Abraham Wolf, Ph.D. and Peter Sheras, Ph.D. © The Brochure Project, 1998 (602) 854-8950
Heart Disease
Heart Disease Can Be Managed
Talk to Someone Who Can Help...
Regaining Your Health
