How to deal with depression when you have heart problems

What is depression? 

Depression is more than feeling sad or 'not yourself' for a few days. It’s a medical condition that affects your mood, energy, and motivation over a longer period.

If left untreated for a long time it can also impact your wider health.

People often describe depression as 'feeling flat', emotionally numb, or disconnected from life.

It’s normal to feel down sometimes, especially when coping with a health condition, recovering from surgery or experiencing other major difficulties.

But if the feelings don’t pass and you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, you may have clinical depression (also called major depressive disorder).

Depression is a genuine health condition with real symptoms.

Unlike a temporary low mood, depression can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming and for some people may even lead to distressing thoughts. It often comes with physical symptoms like fatigue and sleep problems, and can range from mild to severe.

Depression is a genuine health condition with real symptoms. It’s nothing to do with willpower, and it does not mean you’re weak. Like any illness, it deserves care and support – and with the right help, things can get better.

What are depression symptoms?

Depression can show up in different ways. These are some of the common signs.

How you might feel:

• down, sad or hopeless
• upset or tearful
• anxious or worried
• isolated and alone
• angry or frustrated over small things
• feeling 'flat' or numb
• losing motivation or interest in things you usually enjoy
• persistent fatigue and lack of energy
• low self-worth or self-confidence
• aches and pains with no clear cause
• thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

How you might act:

• Avoiding meeting or speaking to friends or family.
• Having problems sleeping (sleeping too much or too little).
• Changes in appetite or weight (losing weight or putting weight on).
• Difficulty remembering or concentrating on things.
• Difficulty making decisions.
• Moving or speaking more slowly than usual.
• Saying 'no' to things you used to enjoy.
• Losing interest in sex.
• Finding it difficult to work or do everyday tasks.

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to seek help.

How can heart issues cause depression?

Depression can happen for many reasons, but if you have a heart condition, you may be more vulnerable. Here’s why:

• Biological changes: Heart disease can trigger hormonal and inflammatory changes in the body that can affect mood.

• Chronic stress: Living with a heart condition can feel frightening and cause you to worry frequently, which in turn can lead to depression.

• Life changes: You may have to change or adapt your work, hobbies and exercises you enjoy. And you may need to start taking medicines or attending more doctor's appointments. This may feel like losing part of your identity or that your identity has changed.

• Uncertainty: Not knowing when you might need surgery or face complications can create fear and hopelessness.

• Traumatic experiences: Experiences like having a heart attack, needing heart surgery, or spending time in intensive care can leave a lasting emotional impact.

Can depression lead to heart problems?

While depression is unlikely to directly cause any immediate serious risk to your heart health, it can impact your physical health if left untreated for too long.

The lack of motivation and feelings of hopelessness that often come with depression can make it difficult to stick with habits that support your health.

Giving up on healthy habits entirely can have a knock-on effect for heart health.

Things like taking your medicine on time, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly all play a big role in maintaining a healthy heart. Even when you’re feeling good, these habits take effort. Depression can often cause people to give up on them entirely, which can have a knock-on effect for heart health.

We also know from research that there is a link between long-term depression and having an increased risk of heart problems. Depression can cause feelings of anxiety or stress, and when the body is in a state of stress for too long it can increase inflammation and raise blood pressure.

This is why it’s a good idea to seek treatment for depression if you recognise the symptoms or speak to someone you trust.

What is SAD?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression linked to shorter daylight hours in winter. It can affect anyone, including people with heart conditions.

If you feel down during the darker months, try to:

• Get outside during daylight hours as much as you can.

• Consider a light therapy lamp, which mimics natural sunlight and may help some people.

10 tips for dealing with depression

If you think you may have depression, it’s important to speak to your GP so you can start a treatment plan. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed and looking for ways to ease your symptoms while waiting for treatment or alongside it, there are a few things you can try:

1. Stay connected by talking to others

Share how you feel with a friend or family member that you trust. Opening up can break the cycle of isolation and help take you out of your own thoughts.

If meeting in person feels overwhelming, start by sending a message, connecting online or talking over the phone. Making it part of your routine to stay connected with others can help you to feel less alone.

2. Boost your mood with movement

Getting physically active is an effective way to help ease symptoms of depression as well as support your heart health.

You do not need to go to a gym, you can start with what feels doable. A brisk 15-minute walk, a 10-minute home workout or even doing a bit of gardening are all good options.

Moving your body releases endorphins, helps to improve sleep, and gives you a sense of accomplishment, which can all work together to lift your mood.

Getting outside also has added benefits like exposure to natural light and fresh air, which can help to regulate your stress response and make you feel calmer.

3. Ground yourself in the present

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, grounding practices, like the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, can help bring your attention back into the present moment by engaging your senses.

To try this technique, begin by naming:

• 5 things you can see
• 4 things you can feel or touch
• 3 things you can hear
• 2 things you can smell
• 1 thing you can taste.

4. Practise mindfulness

Simple mindfulness techniques like focusing on your breath or visualising a calming scene can help steer your mind away from distressing thoughts. This can bring some relief if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts or emotions.

One exercise you can try involves picturing in your mind a place that makes you feel calm, safe and comfortable. Perhaps it’s a sandy beach, or a peaceful place in the countryside.

Imagine yourself in this place and use your 5 senses to imagine what you might see, hear, smell, touch and taste there. Can you feel the wind on your face? Is there a salty taste to the sea air? What does the sand feel like under your feet? Can you hear birds singing?

5. STOPP method

When you feel overwhelmed by strong emotions, try taking these steps to help you find a moment of pause and redirect your attention towards helpful action:

1. Stop: Try to pause your thoughts for a moment. If you like, you can picture a traffic light turning red.
2. Take a few breaths: Focus on the sensation of breathing in and out slowly.
3. Observe: With kindness and without judgement, notice what’s going on in your mind and your body. Here, you can picture the traffic light turning amber.
4. Pull back: Try to reframe your perspective. Ask yourself: “Is there another way of looking at the situation? Will following these thoughts, help or hinder me?”
5. Proceed: Think about what you could do next that might help you to feel better or to get through this moment. It could be ‘coaching’ yourself through positive self-talk (e.g. helping yourself by talking yourself through the situation, from a more positive, compassionate or practical position) or it could be going out for a short walk, calling in on a neighbour, or even having a shower. Choose an action, picture the traffic light turning green, and take that step.

6. Deep breathing

Slow, deep breaths can help reduce feelings of overwhelm or agitation by calming the nervous system.

To try diaphragmatic breathing, find a comfortable place where you can sit uninterrupted for 10 minutes and bring your awareness to how you’re feeling today. Set a timer for 10 minutes and follow these steps:

1. Imagine your stomach is like a balloon inflating as you breathe in and deflating as you breathe out, while your chest stays relatively still.
2. Place your hand on your belly, breathe in through your nose and feel your hand moving up as your belly rises.
3. As you breathe out, notice your belly returning to a relaxed position and your hand moving with it.
4. If you notice you’ve started thinking about something else, gently bring your attention back to your breathing and the rise and fall of your belly.

• Try these 3 breathing exercises

7. Distraction

With depression, it‘s normal to get stuck in your own head. Distraction can be a helpful way of steering your thoughts towards something else and breaking the cycle.

You could:

• Listen to a podcast.
• Watch a favourite film.
• Call a friend.
• Go for a short walk.

These, or similar activities, can shift your focus away from negative thoughts.

8. Prioritise doing things you enjoy

Doing things you enjoy, even in small doses, can lift your mood over time.

Make a short list of activities that usually bring you comfort or joy, like:

• listening to music
• cooking a favourite meal
• crafting.

Plan to do one each day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

9. Keep a routine

When depression drains your energy and motivation, even simple decisions can feel overwhelming. That’s where a routine can help.

Sticking to a regular wake-up time and limiting long periods in bed can make a big difference.

Try adding small, predictable activities – like a daily walk at the same time or another calming habit – to bring structure and a sense of control to your day.

10. Make simple swaps

Eating well and staying active can feel overwhelming when your energy is low.

Start with small, manageable food swaps. If you’re craving comfort food, you could trade chips for a jacket potato or plain popcorn instead of crisps.

Apply the same idea to movement: If a walk outside feels too much, try balance exercises at home or a few minutes of gentle stretching. Remember, a little movement is always better than none, and small changes add up over time.

How to help someone with depression

If a loved one seems withdrawn or less interested in things they usually enjoy, it could be a sign of depression.

Start by gently checking in – ask if they’d like to talk and let them know you’re there to listen without pressuring them.

Simple offers, like going for a short walk or having a coffee together, can help break the cycle of isolation.

Try to avoid judgment and focus on listening. Feeling understood can ease shame and encourage openness. If they decline, don’t be disheartened and keep showing care through small gestures and regular contact.

Encourage activities that bring comfort.

Encourage activities that bring comfort, and if they’re struggling to seek help, offer practical support such as finding local talking therapy services or accompanying them to appointments.

Above all, patience matters. Depression often makes everyday tasks feel impossible, so consistent, compassionate support can make a real difference. It’s important to look after your own needs too, so take time to check in with yourself and make sure to prioritise your own mental wellbeing.

What treatments are there for depression?

NHS treatment for depression usually combines self-help strategies, talking therapies, and sometimes medication.

The right approach depends on the type and severity of depression you have, and your GP will help find what works best for you.

Many people start with talking therapies for anxiety and depression. You can access this through your GP, or by self-referring online. Your cardiology team (if you are under one) may also be able to help you in seeking a referral. These services offer proven psychological treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you manage thoughts and feelings.

For some, antidepressant medication may also be recommended, and your doctor will make sure it’s safe alongside any heart treatment.

Remember, reaching out early can make recovery easier. You’re not alone and help is there when you need it.

Why is treatment important?

Depression can feel heavy and isolating, but it’s important to know that it’s treatable and getting help can make a real difference for both your mental and physical health.

Untreated depression could make heart problems worse over time.

When you’re living with a heart condition, untreated depression can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. This can lead to missing medications, skipping doctor’s appointments, or letting healthy habits slide – all of which could make your heart condition worse over time or lead to more serious health problems.

Seeking support for depression isn’t just about feeling better emotionally, it can help you stay engaged in your care and reduce risks to your heart health. Getting treatment can improve your energy, motivation, and sleep, making it easier to follow your treatment plan and enjoy life again.

More information and support

• If you have questions about your heart health, contact our heart helpline to speak with one of our cardiac nurses via phone, email or chat.
• Visit Mind or call their helplines for mental health support. 
• Visit Samaritans, or call their helpline 24/7 for immediate support.
• Visit Rethink Mental Illness for self-help guides and other types of support.
• Health in Mind has free NHS services for anyone with a long-term health condition needing emotional support.
• Join our online community on HealthUnlocked to talk to other people with heart conditions.

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