Supporting your emotional wellbeing: An online forum for young heart patients

This forum for heart patients provided information on managing your emotional health and wellbeing. It aims to provide patients, specifically aged 18-45 years, with the right tools to overcome emotional challenges and thrive. 

The virtual event included presentations from a heart health expert, a young heart patient and a clinical psychologist.  

The speakers discussed:  

• Emotional wellbeing for cardiac patients  

• Tips for dealing with fear and worry  

• Tools for managing anxiety  

• Experiences of trauma after a cardiac event  

• The latest on COVID-19 for heart patients

The speakers  

Sara Linton 

Heart Foundation, Manager – Clinical Evidence   

Sara is a clinical pharmacist and specialises in cardiology, coronary care and heart and lung transplants. At the Heart Foundation, Sara keeps up to date with the latest evidence and issues shaping cardiology care in Australia and provides advice about what this means for patients living with heart disease.   

Carlye Weiner   

Clinical Psychologist  

Carlye has a special interest in working with young people. She uses an integrative health approach, working towards overall physical and emotional wellbeing for her patients. She works in adolescent mental health at a headspace centre, runs her private practice and facilitates workshops in the areas of emotional wellbeing, understanding and coping with trauma and managing chronic health conditions.  

Marcus Ashford 

Young heart patient 

Marcus had a heart attack at home in 2019 and went on to have open heart surgery. Marcus is now a member of the Supporting Young Hearts Advisory Committee.   

Supporting Young Hearts  

The Supporting Young Hearts program supports younger people (aged 18 - 45 years) who are living with a heart condition or are recovering from heart surgery. 

To connect with others and share your heart story, join our Facebook group.