Depression, Heartbreak, and Stress (National Heart Month 2026)

Depression affects the heart in many ways. Yet, when there are family issues, it is one of the last things one might think about. Being depressed, afraid, and feeling nervous because of family situations can build up overtime affecting one's heart. Heartbreaks also affect the heart, which might not be noticeable until the symptoms appear. It can be challenging to reduce stress, but it is essential to reduce it for heart health. 

Seeing someone with depression due to heartbreak and stress can be difficult to control one's feelings. Also, not knowing how to help someone because of the relationship damage that was caused. High blood pressure, body inflammation, and heart palpitations are some of the symptoms. However, other symptoms such as hormonal imbalance, changes in appetite, sweating, and feeling nervous is concerning for a loved one. Additionally, if family members continue blaming each other for someone's declining health, it can affect the entire family’s heart health.

Experiencing emotional distress because of family blaming is harmful for the entire family. During National Heart Month, think about your family members and connect with them with compassion. Often things are out of your control no matter how much you want to help someone in the family or other family members. Nonetheless, it is crucial to intervene with family members that always blame each other which causes emotional distress to the family. Set clear boundaries, address any disrespectful behavior directly, and understand that some family problems may remain unresolved because of denial, fear, or unwillingness to accept help. 

National Heart Month is a time to learn about CPR workshops, heart health, nutrition, exercise, and recognizing signs of depression. Address family issues, especially when a close relative you live with is affected by depression. Worrying about a family member’s safety is necessary as well as ending stress triggers from family members that blame each other. Seeking professional help to reduce stress from family members that continuously call and stress out other family members that live far away. It is essential to have boundaries and use communication tools to stop family members from constant telephone calls that occur every minute or every hour. 

Finding a solution to family issues is not easy. Yet do acknowledge that it affects family members’ heart health. Seek medical attention to manage depression after a heartbreak or panic attacks. Stop arguments and family conflicts especially if you know it is affecting a loved one’s heart health and is causing emotional distress. It is helpful to seek professional help from a therapist, counselor, or a family therapist.

If you are feeling forgetful, have low energy, and feel depressed; Do know that you are not alone and there are resources to reduce your stress. Managing stress and depression can prevent more heart symptoms. Do regular check-ups and speak to someone about chronic stress from family issues. Although not all family members will agree with you; It is best to distant yourself from family members that tend to blame the family for everything. Here are websites with more information about heart health and depression. 

American Heart Month-American Heart Association:

American Heart Month | American Heart Association

Pump It Up: Cardiac Resources for American Heart Month-AACN:

Pump It Up: Cardiac Resources for American Heart Month - AACN

Depression and the Heart-Psychology Today:

Depression and the Heart | Psychology Today

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