Supporting a Loved One with Coronary Artery Disease

Learning that your child, spouse, parent or even friend has been diagnosed with coronary artery disease can be very difficult to comprehend. You may feel anger, sympathy or remorse when you receive the news. However, you now have a job that is essential to the wellness of your loved one. You must provide the acceptance, love and support that will guide your loved one on the road to controlling his or her disease and living a healthy life.

Understanding the Coping Process

As discussed in Coping with Coronary Artery Disease, those who are newly diagnosed will often experience many of the same emotions as those grieving a death. These emotions may include denial, anger, guilt, fear, depression and finally acceptance. All six of these emotions are perfectly normal; however, it is important that you learn more about these stages and be able to identify them in your loved one so that you are better prepared for and recognize the sign that he or she may be reaching an unhealthy state of being. For example, recognizing that not eating or not sleeping are signs of depression will allow you to take the necessary steps for keeping your loved one from further emotional suffering. Likewise, you will want to understand these stages because it is likely you will experience them along with the newly diagnosed loved one. Through understanding, you can better anticipate your friend or family member’s response to such emotions. For more information about the coping process, access the Coping with Coronary Artery Disease link.

Changing for the Better

As someone who loves and cares for the sufferer, one of your main goals should be keeping a positive outlook. It is going to be difficult for your friend or family member to adjust to the changes with which he or she will soon be faced. The last thing you want to do is react negatively to any of the impending changes. If you react selfishly, it is possible that the guilt and anger your loved one feels will only intensify. Instead, try to adapt with your loved one to the changes. Consider beginning an exercise program the two of you can do together or offer healthy meals as alternatives to your regular Friday night ritual of fast food. Let your loved one know that this diagnosis does not mean the end to your old, comfortable way of life; rather, it is the beginning to a healthier life for the both of you.

Helping Out

There is a lot you can do for someone who has a chronic illness. You can help with daily chores, including shopping and cooking meals or helping with the house work, you can help regulate your loved one’s medicine, keeping them sorted and organized, and you can even participate in doctor’s visits. It is important, though, that you respect your loved one’s wishes and lend as much emotional support as possible without being overbearing. Understand that there will be good and bad days in his or her illness and that it is okay for your loved one to have days when he or she is not at his or her best. And do not forget how powerful and contagious humor, faith and hope are.