Getting diagnosed with a heart condition can be scary. Our hearts are one of the most important organs in our bodies, so when something is wrong with it, it’s natural to panic!

It can be even scarier when heart disease affects those we love the most. Feelings of worry, concern and helplessness are incredibly common. All you want to do is help, but there’s nothing you can do.

Or is there?

Unless you’re a doctor or researcher, there’s not much you can do to help your partner heal from heart disease. However, there are plenty of ways you can support them during this turbulent diagnosis period. Here are some tips to keep in mind!

Improve your understanding

Your first step should be understanding what your partner’s condition means for them. By taking the time to research, ask questions, and read people’s stories, you can simultaneously ease your worries and help your partner with theirs.

Sometimes, it’s easy to spiral into negative thought patterns and think the worst, but when you know the facts, this becomes more difficult to do. There are plenty of resources online to read, but one of the most important things to research is the warning signs of a heart attack. Knowing this information will help keep your mind calm and your partner safe.

Dedicate yourself to a healthy lifestyle

It’s no secret that a healthy lifestyle is great for people with heart disease. Eating healthy, exercising, and limiting unhealthy habits are all great options to help improve your heart health. While this is all easy to say, putting this into practice can be difficult.

That’s why making lifestyle changes is more successful when you do it as a team. Plan and cook healthy meals together. Make a habit of walking, joining the gym, or attending fitness classes together. If you both smoke, take the opportunity to support and help each other quit! These actions can not only help improve overall heart health but also aid the recovery of heart bypass surgery.

Remember to communicate

When someone we love is going through a hard time, communication might seem impossible. You don’t want to burden them with your fears or worries, so start bottling things up. You might think they’re already dealing with so much, so adding to this would be unfair.

But this can often only make things worse. While it’s natural to want to protect your loved one, you can’t mollycoddle them. Having open and honest communication with your partner will reduce anxiety and stress for both of you. Don’t hesitate to speak your mind, ask for advice, and share your concerns in a thoughtful way.   

Don’t forget about yourself

As the old saying goes, put on your own oxygen mask before others. You can’t help your partner if you’re not mentally available. It’s important not to forget about your own feelings. You’re allowed to feel negative emotions, too!

Take time for yourself. It’s okay to ask for help, whether that’s professional help or the help of a friend. You don’t have to carry all the worry and concern yourself; you can take a break and ask for help.

Be the supportive partner they need

When your partner suffers from health issues, it can affect every area of your life. Feelings of worry, panic, and overthinking can all take over. But, it doesn’t need to be this way.

Your main focus should be your support for your partner. Learning all you can about their condition and dedicating yourself to a healthier way of living are great ways to benefit their heart and keep them safe. However, it’s essential to look after yourself, too. Good communication and mental health support will not only benefit your partner but also ensure that you’re fully available to be the supportive partner you want to be.

The fact you’re reading this article shows how good a partner you already are – you’ve got this!