Feeling lonely when you have a heart condition

Many heart patients report feeling lonely. There are lots of different reasons for that. Some people feel they can’t socialise with friends and family in ways they did before diagnosis. This could be because of changes to their diet, alcohol intake or physical capabilities. 

Many BHF supporters also feel they don’t want to share vulnerable feelings with friends and family through fear of upsetting them, being a burden or being seen as weak. 

What are the signs of loneliness?

It can be hard to know when you’re feeling lonely. Many people with heart conditions may have these feelings and not realise they are signs of loneliness. However, noticing these difficult emotions may help you to find ways to deal with them.

Signs of loneliness can include:

• constantly feeling tired
• feeling easily rejected
• getting very upset about small problems
• putting on or losing weight
• being prone to illnesses due to a weak immune system
• feeling depressed
• feeling hopeless.

However, the feelings that come from loneliness are complex and can vary depending on the person.

Join our HealthUnlocked community

Our HealthUnlocked community is a way for people affected by heart and circulatory conditions to share experiences, ask questions and support one another. When you join you’ll be put in touch with 18,000+ people across the UK who can help you navigate whatever challenges you’re facing with your health.
 
Connect with people who understand. Join the #1 peer support network for health. 

Join our community

Heart helpline & further support

• Call our Heart Helpline.
• Find Mind’s mental health groups in England and Wales.
• Rethink Mental Illness - 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
• NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (England)
• Scottish Association for Mental Health – 0800 917 3466
• Hafal (Wales) – 01792 816600
• Inspire - N. Ireland– 028 9032 8474
• Samaritans – 116 123