MHM Magazine

40 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | Issu3 2 | 2022 MHM SADAG has over 160 Support Groups around the country that deal with all manner of mental health related issues, as well as Support Groups specifically for family members and loved ones. SADAG guides and trains new Support Group Leaders on running a group step-by-step. We help with training webinars, materials, handouts, information and more. Surviving a heart attack is not the end of the pain and suffering that such an ordeal leaves with a person. Many survivors find themselves having to adjust to a new way of life as well as dealing with the anxiety and trauma of their experience. This month’s featured group is the Mental Health Support Group for Heart Attack Survivors & Family Members hosted by Vanessa. Vanessa’s support group is the first of its kind for SADAG. It provides a place of warmth, safety and support for people who have survived heart attacks, and for their family members who support them. Surviving a heart attack can be traumatic, but it also often demands adjustments and a new approach to life that can be difficult to navigate all at once. The Group provides mental health support to members in a non-judgemental way where people can share their experiences with others in similar positions and find support and healing under extraordinary circumstances. Some words from Vanessa: What led to you starting this particular Support Group? In November a family crisis put so much mental and physical strain on my body, it could no longer cope, and I had the wakeup call of a lifetime, a heart attack while I was sleeping. After a week in high-care ICU I was discharged from hospital, scared, anxious and uncertain. With no cardio rehab options available in my area, I searched for a support group for heart attack survivors, with no luck. So I decided to start one. Who can join your Group? Survivors of heart attacks, those at risk of a heart attack and their family members. Survivors often pretend everything is fine, and family pretend they are coping while hoping the nightmare will go away. The hope is that this Group provides a space where people who have had heart attacks can come together and support each other. What are the benefits of joining this Support Group? Unfortunately, this is my new normal. I’ve faced massive lifestyle changes, new medications, side effects, and felt incredibly overwhelmed. Having extra support would have made a world of difference for me and I believe it will for those who join.  If you have a patient who would benefit from this group, please provide them with Vanessa’s contact details (on poster below). Tips from Vanessa for survivors of heart attacks and their family members Disclaimer: Vanessa is not a medical professional, these tips are based on her personal experience of what has been helpful for her. 1. Honesty is key for both survivors and family - don’t hide or pretend to be doing fine/ good…. Speak up. Your voice does matter. 2. If the medication is affecting how you speak to your cardiologist, don’t just stop. Each medication has a function and is needed. 3. Feeling anxious or panicked is normal. Learn some techniques that calm you down. I personally share a four minute clip of music with my members that promotes relaxation. 4. Join a group where you can talk and share your experiences because as unique as they are to you, somebody in the group has been there, or is still going to get there. You might be unique, but your symptoms are common to the group.  5. You will learn to adjust and accept your new reality and at some stage you will outgrow the group. When that day comes the choice to stay and be part of the group will be yours and will help guide others down this path.  6. Family members need to understand that we’re the same people we were before but some of us will have limitations we didn’t before. 7. We still need attention and love.  We still need to know we are part of your life, stop protecting us from what you see as harmful.  How will we ever learn our limitations if you don’t allow us to live? 8. Exercise is okay when approved by cardiologist - some just take a bit longer to get to that point.  9. Feeling depressed and anxious is normal, but when it affects your day to day functioning then seek professional help ASAP.  10. It’s possible to live a normal full life after surviving a heart attack with some lifestyle adjustments… it’s your second chance, use it wisely. MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP FOR LOVED ONES AND CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Mental Health Support Group for Heart Attack Survivors & Family Members