What caused panic attacks and depression after open heart surgery?
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My dad had heart surgery a couple of months ago. He started having panic attacks whenever he tried to lay flat in bed. The doctor explained that the body was reacting that way because of some fear that the heart might stop beating. It is a natural reaction to such a major surgery. My dad fell into a bit of depression because he's not able to do everything that he wants to yet. If you are on medication you should talk to the doctor about side effects, these could be causing problems. But you also have to let your body take the time to heal. Some days your body is not going to want to do much but sleep, other days you might have more energy. This is totally normal. My dad went through this for a few weeks. Be gentle with yourself and understand that the healing process takes longer than we want it to.
Ask your doctor about the side effects of the medications you are taking.
After open heart surgery you are on some pretty potent pills.
Chemicals can cause body chemistry to get out of sync.
And, keep on looking forward to the moments when you will feel better.
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Very very common, having open heart surgery is very traumatic, it really makes someone think about there own mortality. You just have to concentrate on getting better. My father had a heart transplant 13 yrs ago. He passed away this January but it was not related to his heart, After his transplant he was on the golf course in 3 weeks. Live life day to day that's all any of us can do. you have been given a second chance to live a healthy life .. take advantage of it. I know you don't feel up to snuff right now and the fear that you will have a recurrence and have to have another surgery is very real, the fact is the chances of that are pretty remote.. remember they fixed that problem.. Good luck!!
You could be harboring the fear of sudden death due to heart attack. Sometimes people are afraid to do much after heart surgery.
Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Perhaps you should be evaluated for antidepressant medication. Good Luck!
Hi, sorry to hear you’re feeling so bad. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks and help with your depression:
1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, mild depression and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com
3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads online, e.g. http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/c...
With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!
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