Following Edward’s cardiac arrest, Fiona notices that he doesn’t seem his usual self. She worries that the psychological impact of having had a cardiac arrest is having a greater impact on Edward than he has acknowledged.
| Described below are some common psychological reactions following an cardiac arrest | |
|---|---|
| Numbness | People described feeling ‘detached’ and the event may seem unreal, like a dream, something that has not really happened. Only in time may this numbness give away to feeling things more intensely. |
| Fear |
|
| Helplessness | Feeling of being powerless. |
| Sadness and grief |
|
| Guilt |
|
| Shame/embarrassed | For having been exposed as helpless, “emotional” or needing others’ help. |
| Anger |
|
| Shock |
|
| Need for privacy | Preference to be alone. |
| Relationship change | Shift in being carer/breadwinner to “being wrapped in cotton wool.” |
It is estimated that around a fourth of individuals who have had an OHCA will show signs of anxiety and depression six months post-event.
A number of useful resources are available to help patients self manage their mental health and wellbeing:
- Moodjuice
- Living Life to the Full
- NHS: Low mood, sadness, and depression
- Breathing Space: Open up when you’re feeling down
- CHSS: Coping with depression and feeling down
- CHSS: Coping with stress and anxiety
- NHS: Mindfulness
- NHS Self-assessment: Depression
Edward is shown some general relaxation techniques at his rehabilitation class:
- Healthy Place America’s Mental Health Channel: Relaxation Therapy for Anxiety Disorders (NB you need to scroll quite far down before reaching content on relaxation strategies.)
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Relaxation Techniques for Health
- Patient: Relaxation Exercises and Mindfulness
Another strategy Edward learns about at his class is Mindfulness. Mindfulness is a simple, easily learnt approach to relaxing and taking time out from stress or worries. It is an adaptable and very safe skill that can be used as part of normal life. It is safe and effective in managing stress and worry. It has been shown to help with sleeping difficulties and generally helping people feel less driven.
Please watch the video below on mindfulness. Although the video was made for people who had suffered from a stroke, the content offers a good introduction to mindfulness and is equally applicable to individuals with a cardiac condition.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland: Being Mindful
Edward and Fiona both decide to use relaxation techniques and mindfulness to help them with cope with the impact of Edward’s OHCA.
Edward’s recovery is such that he does not require long-term support from Fiona to carry out his daily activities. However, this is not always the case with OHCA survivors and some family members may find themselves taking on the role of unpaid carer. There are a number of useful websites specifically aimed at supporting carers:
- Mind for better mental health: How to cope as a carer
- Carers trust: Caring for someone with a mental health problem
Information for healthcare professionals on recognising, assessing and managing the psychological impact of a cardiac event can be found at:
Page last reviewed: 09 Oct 2020
