Depression and Heart Disease

Everyone feels a little down now and then. But people with heart disease are at greater risk for serious depression. Unfortunately, many of them don’t know it. Depression, if not treated, can make you more likely to have future heart problems.

Know the symptoms

Sometimes it can be hard to tell whether you are depressed or just feeling blue. Here are some symptoms to watch for:

• Feeling sad or anxious

• Feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless

• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities that you enjoyed in the past

• Feeling hopeless

• Having less energy or feeling tired

• Too little or too much sleeping 

• Having trouble concentrating or making typical daily decisions

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Feeling irritable or restless

• Thoughts of harming yourself, suicide, or death

You may have depression if you have most or all of these symptoms every day for at least 2 weeks.

You can get help

If you have symptoms of depression, talk with your health care provider. They may refer you to a counselor or other mental health specialist. Your provider may also prescribe medicine for your depression. A combination of counseling and medicine can be helpful in treating depression.

Studies have shown that exercise can also be helpful in treating depression. And getting regular exercise, such as walking, is also a great way to keep your heart and mind healthy.

Crisis care

If you are in a crisis or have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 right away. This is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You will be connected to a trained counselor you can talk to. There's also an online chat option . You can also call Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). The 988 Lifeline is free and available 24/7.

This resource provides immediate crisis intervention and information on local resources. It's free and confidential.

Other help

If there is no immediate risk, call your provider or get help online. Here is another resource:

• National Institute of Mental Health. Visit their website at www.nimh.nih.gov to learn more about depression.