A crisis that can last a long time
The training courses you are thinking of taking, or that you have already taken, prepare you to intervene with cardiac arrest victims safely thanks to CPR techniques. But what happens after the crisis? What happens to their mental health? What should you do if the victim is close to you?
There is a strong chance that a cardiac arrest victim will have to change some of their lifestyle habits. Indeed, cardiovascular arrests are often linked to numerous causes stemming from poor habits: smoking, alcohol consumption, being overweight, malnutrition, lack of physical activity, and so on.
The cardiac arrest, as well as all the changes that victims must make to their habits — obviously important and necessary if recommended by a health care professional — often have an impact on mental health. Following their event, they very often suffer from stress, anxiety, or depression, and these conditions unfortunately remain untreated far too often.
Indeed, according to a study in the journal Francophonies d’Amérique, the majority of participants in cardiac rehabilitation suffered from a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, while the others showed symptoms of depression and anxiety. In the same vein, the study emphasizes that integrating psychological treatment during rehabilitation appears to improve their recovery and their mental state in general. Similarly, a study from the University of Hamburg, showing equally alarming figures, also specifies that the first year following the incident seems to have the greatest impact on the victim's quality of life.
In addition to professional help, small daily acts such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, reading, and communicating in person or by phone can greatly aid the recovery process and mental well-being.
To get through difficult periods, such as recovery after a cardiac arrest, various organizations offer a free, anonymous, and confidential listening center. These resources allow people in psychological distress to confide, to receive support and advice, and to obtain assistance in finding the appropriate professional help. Here are a few of them:
The subject of mental health is only just beginning to take its rightful place in public debate. As a result, many prejudices persist due to a lack of understanding of the reality of people affected by psychological disorders. As an example, many still think that difficulties related to mental health are a sign of weakness.
Considering that at least 1 in 5 people will suffer from mental health disorders during their lifetime, it is critical that we recognize their importance and their impact on our everyday lives.
For more information on the subject of mental health, we invite you to consult the relevant authorities and the following frsqc.com site: https://www.quebec.ca/sante/conseils-et-prevention/sante-mentale/.
- Tel Aide
- Phobies Zéro (also offers the opportunity to attend virtual and in-person support groups)
- Pairs aidants j’écoute
- Relief
- mental health cardiac arrest
- The taboo of mental health
- Formation RCR et Secourisme Québec. March 2019. “ Facteurs de risques cardio-vasculaires ”. Lexique. https://frsqc.com/fr/lexique/facteurs-de-risques-cardio-vasculaires/ .
- Berghmans, C., Tarquinio, C. and Strub, L. 2010. “ Méditation de pleine conscience et psychothérapie dans la prise en charge de la santé et de la maladie ”. https://www.erudit.org/fr/revues/smq/2010-v35-n1-smq3941/044798ar.pdf
- Greenman, P. S., Morin-Turmel, A. & Grenier, J. (2009). L’intégration d’un traitement psychologique en réadaptation cardiaque à l’Hôpital Montfort : une diminution des risques associés aux maladies cardiaques. Francophonies d’Amérique (28), 91–113. https://doi.org/10.7202/044984ar
- Institut de Cardiologie de l’Université d’Ottawa. “ Les facteurs de risque : Ce que vous devriez savoir ” https://pwc.ottawaheart.ca/fr/educatives/education-en-sante-cardiaque/les-facteurs-de-risque
- Naber, D. and Bullinger, M. March 2018. “ Psychiatric sequelae of cardia arres t”. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6016050/
- Réseau Avant de craquer. “ La maladie mentale, sans tabou! ”. https://www.aidersansfiltre.com/la-maladie-mentale-sans-tabou/