Heart Failure

Heart failure brings big changes to your life. You may struggle with sadness and worry. You may wonder if you'll still be able to enjoy your life. Coping with your feelings and seeking help when you need it can help you live better with heart failure.

Depression and anxiety

Heart failure can be hard on your emotions. You may feel depressed that you can't do some of the things you used to do. You may worry about your future. And symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, can make this anxiety worse.

These feelings are common. Talk to your doctor if you have Reference symptoms of depression or are worried a lot. Depression and anxiety can be treated with counseling and medicine.

You also can help yourself feel better by changing your "self-talk." Those are the things you tell yourself about how you're coping. Negative thoughts can make you feel bad. Changing the way you think can change the way you feel.

Reference Reference Anxiety: Stop Negative Thoughts

Reference Reference Depression: Stop Negative Thoughts

Reference Reference Stop Negative Thoughts: Getting Started

For more information, see:

• Reference Stop Negative Thoughts: Choosing a Healthier Way of Thinking.
• Reference Depression.
• Reference Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Stress

The challenges of living with heart failure can increase your stress. And stress can make living with heart failure even harder. Stress also can disturb your sleep and make depression and anxiety worse. Explore ways to relax and manage stress to help your body, mind, and spirit.

Reference Reference Stress Management: Doing Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Reference Reference Stress Management: Managing Your Time

Reference Reference Stress Management: Reducing Stress by Being Assertive

Reference Reference Stress Management: Breathing Exercises for Relaxation

Reference Reference Stress Management: Doing Guided Imagery to Relax

Reference Reference Stress Management: Doing Meditation

Reference Reference Stress Management: Practicing Yoga to Relax

Getting support

Emotional support from friends and family can help you cope with the struggles of heart failure. You might want to think about joining a heart failure support group. Ask your doctor about the types of support that are available where you live.

Meeting other people with the same problems can help you know you're not alone. If you're shy or aren't a joiner, you can look at an online support group. Even though people online aren't talking face-to-face, they're sharing their feelings and creating a community.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.