Emotional Health Resources

Here are a selection of articles and resources designed to help with coping with the emotional and mental health issues of living with Congenital Heart Disease.

If you have any comments about these, would like more information or to talk through an emotional or mental health issue please contact Anne Crump, Mental Health Support Worker.

For contact details on specialist organisations providing information and resources on all types of mental health issue, diagnosis, treatment and medication.

Depression

One in five people can experience depression at some time in their life.
Dealing with Low mood and Depression has more information and self-help strategies on depression.

If you need help now because of feeling desperate, despairing or suicidal please contact
The Samaritans Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 available 24 hours a day.

How to Access Counselling and Psychological Services - HTML is a brief guide to the main ways you can find a counsellor or contact psychology services..

Anxiety

Here are a number of resources on coping with different aspects of anxiety.
Ways into Relaxation describes the different breathing and relaxation techniques that can be helpful.

Panic attacks can be really scary the article Coping with Panic Attacks from GUCH News outlines some ideas for dealing with them.

Anxiety UK has more information on anxiety including a free pdf on Needle and Injection Phobia

Surgery

If you are worried about surgery or other medical procedures you will find some helpful suggestions in these articles.
Preparing for and Coping with Surgery and How to deal with worry during medical procedures . Read about Rosie's experience of surgery in her article for GUCH News.

Changes in Health

Changes can occur in our health due to many factors including ageing and issues relating to living with a congenital heart condition.
Dealing with Deterioration in Health offers insights about the emotional impact of when things don't get better.

Published in GUCH News Lets talk about concerns about life expectancy explores some of the common emotional reactions to loss and deterioration in health.

Here is a list of organisations that have more information and offer support with bereavement.

Self help books and online resources

A selection books and online resourses and websites on common emotional health issues including anxiety, panic attacks, depression and low self-esteem. List of resources