Survivor's guilt is common after a life-threatening event like a heart attack. Psychotherapy may help, says Kimby Jagnandan.

I saw a psychotherapist for the first time a few months after my heart attack in 2015. My cardiologist recommended psychotherapy because I had survivor’s guilt and a lot of questions about how to move forward.

I was hesitant at first. I worried about the stigma of seeing a psychotherapist. I felt that people would think I was crazy. Isn't that what society teaches you to believe? You don't seek help like that unless there's something wrong with you.

But even though it wasn't something I ever wanted to do, I realized I needed help.

I’m so glad that I decided to see a psychotherapist. My practitioner and I immediately clicked at my first visit, and I’ve been seeing her ever since.

Not everyone needs to go to psychotherapy. But don't let fear or perceived stigma stand in the way of seeing a professional. It could change your life if you give it a chance.

A visit to the psychotherapist doesn’t necessarily involve lying on a couch and rehashing your childhood. I sit in a comfortable chair across from my therapist and talk to her in a conversational voice about what’s happening in my life.

We have great conversations. I share my issues, and my therapist gives me advice.

Best of all, I don’t worry about stigma anymore.

3 ways psychotherapy has helped me deal with the aftermath of my heart attack:

1. Coping with survivor’s guilt

After my heart attack, I wondered why I lived when so many others experienced the exact same type of heart attack and died. It didn't make sense.

Even the doctors who saved my life said it was a miracle that I survived. That made me question my survival even more. Why am I still here? What is my purpose on earth?

I constantly ask myself these questions. I knew I needed someone to talk me through it.

Psychotherapy helps me to understand and deal with my survivor’s guilt. My psychotherapist helps me to reason through the answers to my own questions. Rather than speculate on why I survived, she talks to me through the rationale on a professional level.

I thought I was “cured” of survivor’s guilt. But I experienced it all over again on the 2nd anniversary of my heart attack. It was a huge talking point with my psychotherapist for a few sessions. I don’t know how I would have gotten through it without a professional.

2. Managing my depression

I’ve suffered from depression since my heart attack. It’s very normal. Some studies suggest that up to 40% of people with CVD also have a major depressive disorder versus 17% of the general population.

My sessions have greatly helped me to manage my depression and achieve a mental reset. I look forward to having someone who listens and offers professional advice.

Talk to your doctor about depression and its treatment to explore your options. There is no universal “one-size-fits-all” solution, but you don’t have to suffer on your own. There is help.

3. Finding new strategies to manage my emotions

Psychotherapy has been instrumental in helping me to understand my thoughts and emotions.

My practitioner explains the science behind why I experience certain emotions. She offers tips to help me change my behavior when I experience these emotions in the future.

I look forward to further sharing my insights and progress with her.

5 tips if you’re considering psychotherapy

Thinking about trying psychotherapy? Don’t worry about what others will think. Do what’s right for you. Here are a few of my tips to help you get started:

1. Confide in people you know and trust

Talk with your primary care doctor or cardiologist if you need to decide whether you should see a therapist. You may also want to open up to a trusted family member. Talking through your situation and options can help determine if you need help.

2. Look for someone with experience treating people like you

Try to find a psychotherapist who works with people your age who’ve dealt with similar medical issues. A practitioner with prior experience in these fields will help you get comfortable.

Ask your doctors if they can refer you. My cardiologist highly recommended a psychotherapist who deals mainly with young cancer patients. I think this helps her to relate better to my experience. Her other terminally ill patients are young and once faced death just as I did.

Don’t settle! I luckily clicked with the first psychotherapist I visited. You may have to see more than one person before finding someone you click with. Don’t let the search deter you from getting help.

3. Set your rhythm

Once you’ve found a psychotherapist you like, talk about how frequently you should see each other and how long each meeting should last.

I see my psychotherapist for 1 hour about every 3 to 4 weeks as she feels it’s necessary.

You may also want to ask how long you’ll need to be in therapy. You can, of course, continue for longer if you find it’s beneficial. I’ve been in counselling for five years now, with no plans of stopping anytime soon.

4. Be open with your therapist

Share as much or as little as you want to with your psychotherapist.

I share almost everything with my practitioner. It’s been so helpful for me.

Everything I bring up is linked to stress. Stress can affect heart health. My therapist helps me deal with life's pressures, so it’s good for my heart!

5. Keep your visits as private as you want

Your friends, family, or colleagues don’t need to know you're seeing a psychotherapist. Only share what you're comfortable with.

I tell the boss I’m going to a doctor appointment when I ask for time off from work. I don’t give any other details. However, I've talked to a couple of close friends about my sessions and encouraged them to seek psychotherapy in certain instances.

Not everyone with heart disease needs to see a psychotherapist. But please don’t be afraid to seek the advice of a medical professional if you’re struggling.

Share what you’re going through instead of keeping everything bottled up inside.

Talking through your concerns with a professional can improve your behavior and how you deal with your emotions.

The information presented is solely for educational purposes, not as specific advice for the evaluation, management, or treatment of any condition.

The individual(s) who have written and created the content and whose images appear in this article have been paid by Teva Pharmaceuticals for their contributions. This content represents the opinions of the contributor and does not necessarily reflect those of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Teva Pharmaceuticals does not review, control, influence, or endorse any content related to the contributor's websites or social media networks. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or recommendations. Consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and before beginning or changing any treatment regimen.

NPS-ALL-NP-01252 APRIL 2024