What are stress and depression, and why are they problematic?
Stress is a normal part of life, but if left unmanaged, stress can lead to emotional, psychological, and even physical problems, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, chest pains, or irregular heart beats.

Depression is different from stress, although they can be inter-related. Everyone at one time or another has felt depressed, sad, or blue. Being depressed is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or an injured self-esteem. But sometimes the feeling of sadness becomes intense, lasting for long periods of time and preventing a person from leading a normal life.

Research has linked both stress and depression to an increased risk of heart disease. If you experience stress and/or depression that interferes with your life, you may want to learn more about the effects of these issues on heart health, and which interventions might be helpful for you.

For information on stress, click on the links below:
National Library of Medicine - English
WebMD - Heart Disease
National Library of Medicine - Español

For more information on depression, click on the links below:
National Library of Medicine - English
National Library of Medicine - Español
WebMD - Depression
National Institute of Mental Health - English
National Institute of Mental Health - Español
AMA - Español

How can New Heart help me address stress and depression?

• New Heart periodically offers a cardiac rehabilitation support group for those who have experienced or are currently experiencing cardiac rehab, and want to share their experience with others who have been through similar issues.
• New Heart has a weekly caregivers' support group for those who are doing caregiving for loved ones (whether due to cardiac issues or other health issues). Caregivers meet together once a week in a safe and confidential group to share experiences and support each other.
• New Heart offers yoga classes by Judy Hayes, our certified yoga instructor. The classes focus on the health effects of yoga on the body, mind, and spirit, and are open to people with all levels of experience and flexibility. Beginners are always welcome.
• New Heart offers weekly stress skills classes, which focus on identifying personal stressors and developing and practicing healthy coping strategies.
• New Heart periodically offers and hosts classes and workshops about the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness and other meditative practices have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
• In addition, our staff and doctors can help coordinate with your other health care providers as needed to help address stress and depression.