Mental health support is crucial for people living with heart defects, experts say
For the first time, two health professionals have shared their experiences and findings outlining how people living with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) require sufficient mental health support.
Affecting almost one in 100 babes born in the UK, CHD is one of the most common birth defects which alters the way the heart works.
However, despite being a common disorder, Dr Liza Morton – a Scotland-based clinical psychologist and CHD expert – has highlighted not enough support is being provided to help people cope with the mental problems that have arisen through living with the condition.
Research has shown people with the disease are 50% more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Co-Author of the book, Healing Hearts and Minds: A Holistic Approach to Coping Well with Congenital Heart Disease, and living with the condition herself, Dr Morton states: ‘CHD can impact every area of life.
‘Besides any physical limitations, medical monitoring and interventions, being born with a heart condition can also impact on childhood experience, relationships, education, finances and social inclusion.’
Within her book, Dr Morton positively draws upon the fact that due to significant medical progression since the 1950s, when only 15% of children would survive with the disease, 85% of children now make it into adulthood. However, from feeling self-conscious about scars, to facing limitations on physical activity and living in consent fear of an emergency, the condition is ever present.
According to the NHS, people with CHD often require treatment throughout their life and therefore require specialist reviews throughout child and adulthood. People living with the condition, often have to limit the amount of physical exercise they do, suggesting some children will be isolated from sports clubs.
Additionally, there can be financial implications for parents caring for children with the heart defect.
Research published by Health Talk outlines how some children who need operations to help their heart, can cause strain on some parents. Although, various government and charitable funds, such as the Disability Living Allowance, exist to help relieve some families financial pressures.
Dr Morton’s book was co-written by Tracy Livecchi, who is also a mental health professional and has been diagnosed with CHD.
Provoked by their own experiences, Dr Morton and Ms Livecchi are working alongside the organisers of CHD Awareness Week, which is taking place from 7-14th February 2023, to help raise awareness for the condition.
Photo by Robina Weermeijer