FOR CAREGIVERS

Supporting Someone Living with Heart Disease

As a caregiver, your support is essential — and your own health and well-being matter just as much. This guide helps you recognize emotional changes, start difficult conversations, and care for yourself.

40%of caregivers experience symptoms of depression
50%report high stress levels related to caregiving
1 in 3caregivers do not seek support for themselves

01Supporting the Emotional Journey

When a loved one has a heart event like a heart attack, heart surgery, or heart failure, it can bring big changes to your life. As a caregiver, you may be helping with new routines, medicines, doctor visits, and daily care. This can feel like a lot, and it is okay to ask for help when you need it.

While physical health is important, emotional well-being matters just as much. Changes in mood, stress, sleep, or energy can be signs that your loved one is having a hard time. These changes can affect how they manage their heart condition.

Tip: Caregivers often carry a heavy emotional burden. This guide includes tools to reduce stress, set boundaries, and communicate effectively with your loved one and their care team.

02The Caregiver's Own Health

When caring for a loved one with heart disease, it is easy to neglect your own needs. However, caregivers who neglect their own health are less able to provide effective support to their loved ones.

Physical Exhaustion

Caregiving tasks can be physically demanding. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly.

Emotional Stress

It is normal to feel frustration, guilt, or sadness. These emotions do not make you a bad caregiver — they are part of the human experience.

Social Isolation

Caregivers often become isolated because caregiving takes time and energy. Maintaining social connections is essential for your well-being.

Caregiver Burnout

Burnout occurs when caregiving demands exceed available resources. It is important to recognize the signs and seek help before reaching this point.

03Warning Signs to Watch For in Your Loved One

Emotional changes can be subtle. Here are warning signs to watch for:

Mood & Emotions

  • Persistent sadness or frequent crying
  • Unusual irritability or anger
  • Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
  • Excessive anxiety or worry

Behaviour

  • Withdrawing from friends or family
  • Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
  • Neglecting medications or appointments
  • Increased alcohol or substance use

Sleep & Energy

  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Persistent fatigue despite rest
  • Sleeping much more than usual

Urgent Warning Signs

  • Talking about dying or not wanting to live
  • Expressing hopelessness or no reason to live
  • Withdrawing from all social activities

In Case of Emergency

  • Emergency: 911
  • Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 | Text: 45645
  • Distress Centre Ottawa: 613-238-3311

04How to Talk to Your Loved One About Their Mental Health

It's not always easy to bring up mental health, especially with someone you love. You might worry about saying the wrong thing or making them uncomfortable. But showing you care, asking gently, and listening without judgment can open the door to real support and connection.

Phrases to Begin the Conversation

These simple phrases can help you begin the conversation:

  • "It's okay to not be okay. We don't have to figure it all out today, but I'm here to support you however you need."
  • "You've been through a lot lately. How have you been feeling?"
  • "I've noticed you seem more tired or quiet than usual. I just want to check in, how are you feeling?"
  • "Living with heart failure is hard. It's okay if it's taking a toll. I'm here if you ever want to talk about how it's affecting you."
  • "If you've been feeling overwhelmed or low, I want you to know that's really common, and there's help if you ever want to talk to someone."
Before your conversation: Take a moment to reflect: What changes have I noticed in their mood, behavior, or energy? Have I created a calm, non-judgmental moment to ask? Am I ready to listen without jumping to solutions?

05Taking Care of Yourself as a Caregiver

You cannot give what you do not have. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Here are strategies to help you maintain your own well-being:

Seek Respite

Ask family members or friends to step in, even for a few hours. Look into respite services in your community.

Maintain Your Own Healthy Habits

  • Get enough sleep
  • Eat regular nutritious meals
  • Stay physically active, even short walks
  • Maintain social connections

Manage Your Emotions

  • Recognize that feelings of frustration, guilt, and sadness are normal
  • Talk to someone you trust about what you are experiencing
  • Join a caregiver support group
  • See your own doctor if you feel overwhelmed

Set Healthy Boundaries

It is important to define what you can and cannot do. Communicate your boundaries clearly with family members and the care team. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

06Resources for Caregivers

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Living Well as a Caregiver

Living Well as a Caregiver is a guide made by the University of Ottawa's Heart Institute for people who are helping someone with heart disease. Whether your loved one is living with heart failure, recovering from a heart event, or managing other heart conditions, your support matters. This guide includes tips to help you give care, while also caring for yourself. Inside, you will find information about stress, sleep, and physical activity. It also includes resources, support programs, and contact information to help you feel prepared and connected. You will also find tools and resources made just for caregivers like you. Your health and well-being are important too.

Living Well as a Caregiver (EN) →
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The Ontario Caregiver Organization

Provides support, information, and resources for caregivers across the province. Their heart health section includes helpful guides, and programs designed to support those caring for someone with a heart condition. They also have a helpline you can access for support.

Supports for Caregivers (EN) →
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CCAER Peer Support

Connect with other caregivers who understand what you are going through. Peer support groups can reduce isolation and offer practical advice.

Learn more →
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For Patients Page

Visit the For Patients page for depression, stress, and anxiety self-assessment tools you can share with your loved one.

View page →
Contact information: The Heart Health × Mental Well-being FRAME Intervention was developed in collaboration with the Centre for Care Access and Equity Research Team at the Bruyère Health Research Institute, along with our research coalition of patients, caregivers, care providers, and partners from the Great River and Archipel Ontario Health Teams. This work was supported by funding from the University of Ottawa's Brain–Heart Interconnectome Research Program. For more information about this work, please reach out to Dr. Krystal Kehoe MacLeod (kmacleod@bruyere.org).
BrainHeartHealthCCAER ResearchBruyère Health

References

  1. Borkowski, P., & Borkowska, N. (2024). Understanding Mental Health Challenges in Cardiovascular Care. Cureus, 16(2), e54402. https://doi.org/10.7759/CUREUS.54402
  2. Bahall, M., Legall, G., & Khan, K. (2020). Quality of life among patients with cardiac disease: The impact of comorbid depression. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/S12955-020-01433-W
  3. UNICEF. (n.d.). Busted: 7 myths about mental health. Retrieved May 13, 2025, from https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/busted-7-myths-about-mental-health
  4. Sinclair, J. M. A., & Patel, M. X. (2012). No health without mental health: core competencies for all doctors. Medicine, 40(11), 567. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MPMED.2012.08.004
  5. American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Warning Signs of Mental Illness. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness
  6. Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2023). Fact Sheet: Common Mental Health Myths and Misconceptions. https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/resource/fact-sheet-common-mental-health-myths-and-misconceptions/
  7. University of Ottawa Heart Institute. (2024). Heart Failure: A guide for patients and caregivers. https://www.ottawaheart.ca/sites/default/files/documents/heart-failure-a-guide-for-patients-and-caregivers-2024.pdf
  8. Rashid, S., Gulfam, A., Noor, T. A., Yaseen, K., Sheikh, M. A. A., Malik, M., & Malik, J. (2023). Anxiety and Depression in Heart Failure: An Updated Review. Current Problems in Cardiology, 48(11). Elsevier Inc. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101987
  9. Henein, M. Y., Vancheri, S., Longo, G., & Vancheri, F. (2022). The Impact of Mental Stress on Cardiovascular Health—Part II. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(15). MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11154405
  10. Veskovic, J., Cvetkovic, M., Tahirovic, E., Zdravkovic, M., Apostolovic, S., Kosevic, D., Loncar, G., Obradovic, D., … & Düngen, H. D. (2023). Depression, anxiety, and quality of life as predictors of rehospitalization in patients with chronic heart failure. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-023-03500-8
  11. Carmin, C. N., Ownby, R. L., Fontanella, C., Steelesmith, D., & Binkley, P. F. (2024). Impact of Mental Health Treatment on Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure and Ischemic Heart Disease. Journal of the American Heart Association, 13(7). https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.123.031117
  12. Heart and Stroke Foundation. Living with heart failure: Resources to help you manage your heart failure. https://www.heartandstroke.ca/
  13. Canadian Heart Failure Society. (2020). My Heart Failure Diary. https://heartfailure.ca/sites/default/files/2020_chfs_order_set_collabcare_patient_diary_0.pdf
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