Tips for coping with depression

Tips for coping with depression

• Get dressed every day.
• Practice stress management and relaxation techniques.
• Get out and walk daily.
• Follow your prescribed exercise regimen.
• Ask your health care provider about a cardiac rehabilitation program.
• Resume hobbies and social activities you enjoy.
• Share your feelings with your spouse, friend or a member of the clergy.
• During your recovery from surgery or a recent hospitalization, visits with friends should be limited to 15 minutes at first. Then, increase the amount of time spent with visitors, depending on how you feel.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals and follow your prescribed dietary guidelines.
• Ask your health care provider about support groups that may help you cope. Support groups are available for patients who have had heart surgery and their families.
• Don’t use harmful habits to cope, such as smoking, using drugs, drinking excessively or overeating. These harmful habits increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.