8 tips for living with atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart condition that affects millions of people. While it may seem like a purely physical issue, the emotional toll of AFib can be significant. The fear, anxiety, and depression that often accompany this condition can be just as debilitating as the physical symptoms.

The emotional impact of AFib can vary from person to person.??

When we are first diagnosed, usually the first emotion we feel is intense fear.

Will I have a heart attack? Will I have a stroke? Will I die???After all the heart is a pretty important organ of the body and the fear of something devastating happening can make everyday life overwhelming and scary.??I turned from someone who was confident about travelling the world on her own to someone who wanted to stay at home near a hospital - just in case something happens.

With fear comes anxiety.??Paroxysmal Afib is when afib comes and goes.??The unpredictable nature of it can cause you to worry about when the next episode will happen.??Worrying??if an episode will occur can stop you exercising, cancelling holidays and saying no to invitations that you previously enjoyed.??

Anxiety, having to cope with medication and its side effects, limited physical activity and potential risks of procedures to control afib can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness and depression.

But, there are many people who live a full active life with afib and there is no reason why you shouldn't be one of them.??The nurse who did my echocardiogram told me that those who succumb to the feelings of hopelessness have more symptoms and that I should go out and lead a normal life as possible.

Here are 8 ways to help yourself cope with afib.??

1. Seek out support - Initiate a conversation with a trusted friend, a family member or a therapist. A strong support network can help you work through your feelings and fears. I had never heard of Afib before I was diagnosed but by speaking about it I found out there were many people out there living and coping with it.?

2. Stay informed - Educate yourself on AFib so that you understand what's happening in your body. This can provide relief by taking away the unknown factor. I found the?Afib Cure Informative?book about the condition.??Also, check out the videos by?Dr Gupta of York Cardiology?- I found these reassuring and informative about the conqdition.??

3. Join a support group - There are plenty of online forums and support groups for people with AFib. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can help you feel less alone.*

4. Learn some skills to cope with your anxiety - Meditation, deep breathing exercises, Tai Chi or yoga can help calm down anxiety and stress.?

5. Use touch - Touch is also great to regulate your nervous system.??Anxiety can be held in our bodies so having a massage helps to release it from our bodies and soothe our nervous systems.??I found?Havening Touch?really useful especially when I couldn't cease the negative chatter in my head.??You can search for it on YouTube

6. Make the lifestyle changes that are known to help control afib - Research has proven that good sleep, diet, reducing stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol and exercise helps to reduce episodes of afib.??Smoking is the biggest no, no according to lots of cardiologists!

7. Be compassionate to yourself - If you're tired don't push yourself.??Build exercise routines up slowly so that you get the confidence that you'll be ok doing them.??I was told by my doctor I would get used to afib.??I DIDN'T BELIEVE HIM! But, I do now. If living and not just existing is what you want and you're willing to work mentally and physically to change your lifestyle then afib doesn't need to take over your life,??Compassionate is NOT feeling sorry for yourself!?

8. Create an anchor image - an anchor image is a positive image that you can call up when you are feeling anxious or negative.??My anchor image was of me on a beach in Bali, happy and relaxed. For all the reasons above I didn't think it would ever happen.??Whenever I realised I was feeding my anxiety with negative thoughts I would pull up this image and really tried to imagine the happiness.??It helped me - try it and see if it helps you.??

AFib can be a challenging condition that takes a significant emotional toll. If you're struggling with the emotional impact of AFib, it's essential to know that you're not alone. You can join my Facebook page where I post hints, tips and videos on how to make the lifestyle changes to control afib.

*https://www.facebook.com/groups/afiblifestyle

If you would like to work with me to work on a longer term plan on living with afib please DM.