ISTOCK.COM
* CHANGES
Antidepressants. For people with moderate-to-
severe depression, medicine may be needed. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are most often used to treat depression. Your provider or therapist can help you decide which medicine might work best for you. Keep in mind, it may take a couple of weeks to find the right dose. Be sure to ask whether any new medication will interact with others you take. Cardiac rehabilitation. For eligible patients, cardiac rehab
offers supervised exercise training and psychosocial support. Cardiac rehab not only can improve your heart health, it also can help improve your mental well-being. Support groups. Find out if your hospital or cardiology
practice knows of local support groups. Talking with other people who have had a heart attack or a cardiac procedure can help you feel less alone.
Who’s at Risk
Some people appear to be more prone to depression than others, especially as it relates to dealing with a chronic condition. For example, people may be more likely to become depressed if they: v Lack self-efficacy or a sense of control; they feel as if they don’t have the know-how or skills to manage their condition well.
v Don’t have anyone to confide in or lack a supportive social network.
v Already feel overwhelmed with life’s demands. v Haven’t built coping skills to get through hard times. v Have a family history of depression.
52
If any of the above applies to you or a loved one, consider consulting with your provider about how to ward off possible depression.
Talk With Your Healthcare Team Make sure to tell your provider if you think you might be depressed. It’s nothing to feel ashamed of or embarrassed about. You’re not alone: More than 15 million adults in the U.S. suffer from major depression. The danger is that if you don’t speak up or seek treatment, depression can take a toll on your life, including your heart health. You may want to ask the following questions: v I worry I might be depressed. What are the signs? v How can I ward off depression? v Is there a safe exercise program for me? v Do I need counseling? v Can I try to manage my depression without taking medication?
v Is there a therapist you would suggest? v If I need an antidepressant, what type do you recommend? v How long will it take for medicine to work or to find the right dose?
v Do these medications interfere with any others I take? v Am I eligible for cardiac rehabilitation? v Are there support groups available? v How can I explain my depression to my family and what I need from them?
v Is there anything else I can do to manage depression and my heart risks?
For more information, visit
CardioSmart.org.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
