Five-time open heart surgery survivor Elle Pendrick opens up about her mental health journey and tips to help manage the emotional toll of heart disease.
I’ve lived with congenital heart disease for over 40 years and have undergone five open-heart surgeries. Heart disease has shaped every part of my life, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
There was a time when I thought resilience meant powering through, ignoring the emotional toll, and just focusing on survival. But I learned the hard way that ignoring the mental impact of heart disease can be just as damaging as neglecting the physical symptoms.
For years, I struggled with exhaustion, anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of frustration. The constant medical appointments, uncertainty about my future, and limitations imposed by my condition took a heavy toll. I felt disconnected from my own body and mentally drained. But through therapy, mindset shifts, and practical strategies, I learned to navigate the mental side of heart disease – and I want to share what helped me.
The Mental Health Toll of Heart Disease
Heart disease doesn’t just affect the heart—it influences every aspect of life. The emotional burden of ongoing medical appointments, uncertainty about the future, and the limitations imposed by a chronic condition can lead to:
- Anxiety about health, medical procedures, and potential complications.
- Depression stemming from the loss of control, isolation, and lifestyle restrictions.
- Stress from balancing medical needs with work, relationships, and daily responsibilities.
- Frustration over physical limitations and the unpredictability of symptoms.
Many people living with heart disease (myself included) struggle with these feelings. It’s completely understandable, but it’s also possible to take steps to regain control.
“Heart disease has shaped every part of my life, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.”
Elle in hospital and at cardiac rehab in 2016 after her fifth open heart surgery.
Common Mindset Mistakes and How to Overcome Them
When it comes to managing heart disease, the mental side is just as important as the physical. Here are three mindset mistakes that can make life harder—and how to shift them.
1. Believing You Can “Power Through”
We’re often told that pushing through is a sign of strength. But with heart disease, pushing too hard can backfire. Powering through exhaustion and ignoring warning signs leads to burnout and worsened symptoms.
Shift your mindset: Meet yourself where you are. Instead of forcing yourself through difficult days, practice self-compassion. Rest isn’t weakness—it’s a necessity for long-term well-being.
2. Looking for Quick Fixes
It’s tempting to search for instant relief – whether it’s a new supplement, a mindfulness app, or a self-help book. But real, lasting change requires a broader approach.
Shift your mindset: Build a mindset toolkit – a set of strategies that support you long-term. This might include therapy, meditation, support groups, and lifestyle changes tailored to your unique needs.
3. Ignoring the Mind-Body Connection
Heart disease isn’t just a physical condition – it affects mental and emotional health too. Stress, anxiety, and trauma can all worsen physical symptoms.
Shift your mindset: Recognise that your mental state plays a huge role in how you feel physically. Investing in mental health through therapy, stress management, and self-awareness can make a tangible difference in symptom management.
How I Transformed My Mental Health (And You Can Too)
A few years ago, I hit rock bottom. My heart condition had left me exhausted, overwhelmed, and completely disconnected from my own body. I felt trapped in survival mode, unsure how to regain control.
The turning point? Seeking help. I started working with a trauma therapist, which helped me recognise the deep link between my mental and physical health. I learned to listen to my body’s signals instead of fighting against them.
I also created a structured mental health plan:
- Therapy & support groups: Talking to others who understand heart disease made a huge difference.
- Mindset practices: Incorporating somatic techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, tapping and gentle movement has helped me regulate my nervous system and find a sense of calm and safety in my body.
- Exercise adapted to my abilities: Movement became a form of self-care rather than punishment.
- Setting boundaries: Learning to say no and protect my energy was life-changing.
This shift wasn’t instant—it took time and effort. But gradually, I stopped just surviving with heart disease and started living again.
The Takeaway: You Are More Than Your Diagnosis
Yes, heart disease impacts mental health – but it doesn’t have to define your entire experience. By addressing mindset mistakes, building a mental health toolkit, and recognising the mind-body connection, you can take back control of your well-being.
If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone. Seeking support, prioritising mental well-being, and making gradual mindset changes can help you reclaim your life – one step at a time.
At Adulting Well, we provide practical strategies and resources to help people living with heart disease and chronic illness navigate their mental and physical health. From mindset shifts to somatic techniques, our content is designed to help you regain control of your well-being. Visit Adulting Well for more insights and support.