COPING WITH THOSE TOUGH TIMES

Stuff happens in life. It can be challenging health issues, or difficulties at school, home, work, or in relationships. Sometimes, people have a sense of uncertainty about the future when living with a heart condition. It can also be hard managing the ups and downs if you have ongoing symptoms. Feelings and situations can at times seem overwhelming and difficult to cope with. Here are some ideas to help you to support yourself through those times:

¨ Phone a friend - it's often good to share. Try not to bottle things up. Talk to a sympathetic friend, family member, teacher, counsellor, etc., or phone a helpline. Sometimes it helps to talk to others who have had similar experiences or who were also born with a heart condition - go online, blog, get support from the GUCH Message Board, join us on Facebook and come to our events.

¨ Distract yourself with other activities - do things you know help you feel better. Listen to your favourite music, dance, watch TV or DVD's, play computer games, read, go for a walk, hug a tree, stroke the dog, go out.

¨ Express yourself - write it down, start a journal, write a poem, or a song, scribble, paint, draw, dance. Don't worry about artistic merit, it's about 'getting it out'.

¨ Do things to help you de-stress - relax in a warm bath, imagine yourself in a safe and comforting place, look at something peaceful or beautiful.

¨ Remind yourself that feelings do pass and change over time - so hold in there and focus on getting through the day. Sit it out, wrap up in a duvet, sleep.

¨ Avoid using drugs and alcohol when emotional - these can intensify feelings, affect your judgement and may lead you to feel worse.

¨ Be prepared - if you know that there are times when you might feel down, angry, upset, tense, it can be useful to write a list of things that you can do and people you can call. Make a 'comfort box' or scrapbook for yourself and put in photos, images, sayings, chocolate, a cuddly toy - anything that you can focus on when the going gets tough. If you are going into hospital think about what you can take in that will help you pass the time and distract you from unpleasant procedures and tests.

¨ Give yourself a break - sometimes we can be hard on ourselves, expect too much or just overdo it. It's usual to have ups and downs in mood in response to what is happening in our lives. Treat yourself with kindness.

If you would like more information on emotional health issues please contact Anne.