Heart Disease: A cardiologist can help patients understand that their symptoms may be related to mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders or depression, and that it is important to listen carefully to the patient and understand their experiences.
When patients feel that the doctor understands their problem clearly, they can be told that their mental health may also be a contributing factor to their physical symptoms.
Explaining to patients that conditions such as anxiety and depression can cause symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, chest pain or shortness of breath clarifies the connection between their mental and physical state. It helps them understand that both aspects are interconnected.
If all cardiac tests come back normal, but the patient’s symptoms still persist, it may be a sign that the problem is related to mental health. Explain with examples that cardiac symptoms can also occur due to mental stress. This will make the patient feel more comfortable accepting this fact.
When suggesting the patient to see a psychiatrist, present it as a step towards overall health. Try to explain to them that improving mental health can also improve their physical symptoms. Also, discuss lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, meditation, and good sleep, which can be beneficial for both mental and physical health.
In this way, patients gradually begin to understand that mental health also has a deep impact on their physical symptoms and taking care of it is as important as taking care of the heart.
