Depression and Heart Disease

• By grace5
• Posted June 20, 2009 at 3:04 pm
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That's a good read if you want to know the difference between feeling low or true depression.
On my last visit my doctor asked me if I felt the urge to harm myself, I was taken aback and confused by this 'out of the blue' question so I said 'Do you mean right now?'
Lidia xx

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• By Kingston
• Posted August 17, 2009 at 10:39 am
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I am 68 and had a triple by pass nine months ago. I am wondering if anyone else gets these sudden surges of feeling that They are about to die soon?
Before I had the surgery I had no symptoms other than a sqeezy feeling in my chest when I ran, but I had the feeling that my life was coming to an end. I had a happy active life, job that I lived, frequent travel, children grown and in contact, grandchildren fond and doing well...but I just KNEW. After the surgery , that feeling went. Now it is back again...I don't dwell on it...I'm back to work and travelling again, and I know that post-op depression is to be expected, but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced anything like this and how long it lasts?
Diana Kingston

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• By Queen_E
• Posted August 18, 2009 at 2:16 pm
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Really, it does not seem like rocket science that people who have heart disease or a heart attack would experience or get a diagnosis of depression - we are afraid of dying! Really cuts into your positive outlook! And given the duration of our recovery - and the fact that a depression diagnosis only requires a few symptomatic weeks - the two are going to match up frequently.

I am betting that people with a cancer diagnosis - esp. those in treatment - also includes a high percentage with a depression diagnosis - hmm?

I was very wrapped up in death anxiety after my heart attack. When I visited my primary care doc at the end of Feb, when I wanted to go back to work, I sat there and cried - afraid and unsure of what happens next. She told me to wait 2 more weeks. She also diagnosed depression - it's in my electronic medical record. A month later I would not have described myself in the same way, nor would she - I was back in her office and she was so pleased.

The most important thing is to ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed, that "it's too much" to handle.

My favorite mental health screening question: Are you hearing voices?
My answer "Do you mean other than my kids?"

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• By iowachris
• Posted August 18, 2009 at 4:11 pm
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Diana - I had my triple bypass almost four months ago. I have good days and bad. I'm 57. Like you I was very active and traveled and had fun. Not a care in the world it seemed.

I still travel and do have fun, but some times I get over whelmed with worrying about things that I never use to even think about.

I have to keep telling myself that "Life goes on" and my life has been saved for awhile. I am thankful that medical treatment has extended my life. I have to tell myself that I could be younger, like a lot of the young women on this site. I could have cancer that they can't cure.

I take it one day at a time - some times I think just getting out and about takes the blues away. At first you really don't want to do to much after this "horrible" surgery. But, as you have healed I'm sure just traveling again and getting on with your life has lifted you some??

I have always been excited when I'm getting ready and when I finally do the traveling. It's coming back to the same "old" that depresses me. Ha!

Chris

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• By kk_stl
• Posted August 18, 2009 at 5:29 pm
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Thanks for sharing this article. I was surprised to read that certain antidepressants may increase your cholesterol!

KK

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• By Sparks
• Posted August 18, 2009 at 10:25 pm
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I agree with Queen_E...it is not rocket science. I have been diagnosed with Major Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder since my twenties and have been on various antidepressants since then. I am a mental health clincian (I finished school before I had symptoms). Anyway, did my depression contribute to my two heart attacks four years ago? probably somewhat (it certainly didn't help). After my heart attacks, my depression got worse and I did the research and read numerous articles much like the one above. I made sure that my cardiologist knew I was on antidepressants and also made sure my psychiatrist knew about my heart disease. So, my psychiatrist, after the heart attacks, increased my antidepressant (a safe SSRI) and I have been pleased with the results.

So, as a depressed heart attack survivor and a mental health therapist, I suggest to anyone that is experiencing depression to communicate and tell your doctor (internist, family doctor, ob/gyn, or whoever you trust) your symptoms. Usually with a discussion and a couple of assessments, you and your doctor can determine the best course of treatment whether it is counseling, medication or both.

Finally, the most important thing to remember is that depression is a disease; just like diabetes, heart disease, etc. and that nobody should make you feel ashamed for having the symptoms. The stigma attached to mental illness (especially women and depression) is a battle all mental health professionals deal with on a daily basis.

I have rambled enough now. To everyone reading this discussion....

take care!

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