Patient Education Caring For Your Heart Booklet | Page 40

Getting Treatment
Your Spiritual
Well-Being
If you have experienced some of these
symptoms for 2 or more weeks, you
should talk to your doctor.
Many heart patients have questions and
fears that cause them to examine or
reexamine their lives in spiritual terms.
Often they ask, “Why me?” While there
may be medical answers to that question,
there may also be spiritual ones. You
may feel that you are being punished or
that your faith has let you down. You
may feel that there is some spiritual
purpose for your illness and recovery.
Depression is bad for your heart. Being
depressed can be just as bad as smoking
or having high blood pressure or high
cholesterol. If you are depressed, you
may not have the best possible recovery,
because you do not feel up to taking
care of yourself.
Call for an appointment today.
Do not delay.
Many patients report that, through their
illness, they become more aware of the
aspects of life that matter most to them.
These may include time with family, self-
improvement, or a deeper spiritual life.
Try to recognize this as an opportunity
for you to enjoy life to its fullest and to
appreciate it.
Depression is not a sign of personal
weakness or something that can be
willed or wished away. Your doctor can
make an evaluation and help you fi nd
effective treatment. Treatment options
include antidepressant medication,
counseling, or both. Expect your mood
to improve gradually, not right away.
Feeling better takes time.
If you ever feel like harming
yourself or anyone else, call 911
for immediate help.
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