What Do I Do If I Am Depressed After A Heart Attack?

— -- Question: What do I do if I am depressed after a heart attack?

Answer: Well, I think there are a number of things one can do. One is -- I'm a big believer in going and asking your cardiologist to refer you to a cardiac rehab program. Exercise is a very good way to treat depression, peer support is a great way to do it, counseling is a great way to do it.

But if the depression is really interfering with your life at a substantial level, then really seeking help from a psychiatrist or a psychologist is the right thing to do. Asking your cardiologist or your internist for a recommendation is probably the right way to find the right person.

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