Guest blog written by Musheerah Nuha
Bula Vinaka, Namaskaram, As-Salaam-Alaikum! Mera naam Musheerah hain. Mein kaam aur parahi health psychology field mein kar raye hoon. Health psychology me kaise hamara physical aur mental health interact karte hain mein usme kaam karti hoon. Hum samajhte hain kei hamari sehat sirf hamare sharir mein nahi hoti hai, balki hamari dil, dimaag, aur atma se bhi judi hoti hai.
Kia ora! My name is Musheerah. I study and work in the field of Health Psychology. Health Psychology looks at how our physical health interacts with our mental well-being. We know that our overall health involves not only our physicality but also our feelings, thoughts, our culture, and our spirituality. It’s important to recognise that our heart health is closely connected to our mood and mental well-being.
This blog post will explore the relationship between our “dil” (heart) and “dimaag” (mind), emphasising the significance of nurturing every aspect of our health.
Firstly, we know that being diagnosed with a heart condition can impact our work, relationships, and social lives. Symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue associated with heart failure can limit what we can do and make us feel frustrated, sad, and like we’ve lost something important. Having a heart condition can require us to make changes to our lifestyle, such as eating healthy foods, taking medicines, and safely increasing our exercise levels. It can be tough to adjust to these changes, and we can end up feeling stressed, guilty, or like we’ve lost control.
Going through medical procedures, staying in the hospital for a long time, and being away from our loved ones and regular routines can also be scary and upsetting.
While these feelings are normal responses to challenges and change, if they persist, it is important to talk to someone about it.
Our body's nervous system, which controls our reactions to stressful situations, works similarly in both depression and heart failure. In both conditions, there are changes in how our body functions. For example, the system that helps us respond to stressful situations becomes more active in both depression and heart conditions. On the other hand, the system that helps us relax and recover becomes less active. These changes can lead to a faster heart rate, increased blood pressure, inflammation, and mood changes. Additionally, there is an increase in cortisol, a hormone related to stress, which can affect our mood and contribute to depressive symptoms.
Lastly, certain medications used to manage heart health may impact mood. However, the research in this area is inconclusive, so if you feel that your heart medications may be impacting your mood, it is important that you consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen.
How to know when you may need to talk to someone?
The symptoms listed below may indicate low mood or anxiety:
Udaasi ya chidchidaahat | Sad, down, or irritable |
Neend/sutne ki dikat | Difficulty sleeping |
Khana ki dil nai aye | Loss of appetite or changes in weight |
Kushi ki kami ya nirasa | Loss of pleasure, excitement, or a sense of hopelessness |
Bahut thakawat | Tired or fatigued |
Dhyaan nai ai | Difficulty with concentration or memory |
Apni Jaan lene ka soch | Thoughts about ending your life |
Chinta aur ghabraahat | Worry or anxiety |
Sans lene mein takleef ya sans phoole | Difficulty breathing |
Dil dadhakane tez hona | Heart beating fast |
Charchrahat | Restless or agitated |
Chakkar aana | Dizziness |
Who to reach out to?
If you are experiencing some of the symptoms listed above, or have any concerns about depression, anxiety, or your health then please contact your doctor for more detailed information and guidance.
Helplines for additional support:
Phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 at any time for advice on health issues
Free call or test 1737 for mental health support. You’ll get to talk to or text with a trained counsellor or a peer support worker
If you’re feeling anxious and would like to talk to someone about anxiety free call 0800 269 4389 (0800 Anxiety)
If you think you, or someone you know, may be thinking about suicide, call the Suicide Crisis Helpline for support on 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
In an emergency phone 111 for an ambulance
What else can we do?
During challenging times, it's essential to seek support from our loved ones and keep them close. They can provide comfort, guidance, and a listening ear when we need it most.
In our culture, we have various strategies to maintain our well-being. Engaging in prayer, meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga can be incredibly helpful. These activities help us relax, unwind, and boost our overall sense of well-being.
Remember, caring for our mental and emotional health is just as important as caring for our physical well-being. By reaching out to loved ones and utilising well-being practices, we can navigate life's challenges with strength and resilience.
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