Can Mindfulness Help Cardiac Arrest Survivors Cope Better with Psychological Symptoms?

What you need to know

• Higher levels of mindfulness are associated with fewer psychological symptoms in cardiac arrest survivors
• Psychological symptoms that develop after cardiac arrest tend to persist without intervention
• Early screening and support for psychological symptoms may help prevent chronic issues

The Challenge of Emotional Recovery After Cardiac Arrest

Surviving a cardiac arrest is a life-changing event that can take both a physical and emotional toll. While medical advances have improved survival rates, many survivors struggle with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress in the aftermath. These psychological symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and recovery, yet finding effective ways to support survivors’ emotional wellbeing remains an important unmet need.

Understanding Mindfulness

Mindfulness refers to the practice of maintaining nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment. Rather than getting caught up in worries about the future or ruminating about the past, mindfulness involves accepting current experiences without trying to change them. Research has shown mindfulness can help reduce various psychological symptoms, but its potential benefits for cardiac arrest survivors hadn’t been well studied.

What the Research Found

In this study of 129 cardiac arrest survivors, those who reported higher levels of mindfulness tended to experience fewer psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress one year after their cardiac arrest. This relationship held true even after accounting for other factors that could affect psychological wellbeing.

Why Mindfulness May Help

The researchers suggest mindfulness may help survivors cope better by:

• Keeping them grounded in the present instead of worrying about future health concerns
• Reducing tendency to ruminate about the cardiac arrest experience
• Helping them accept and adjust to changes in their lives
• Providing tools to manage difficult thoughts and emotions as they arise

What This Means for You

If you’re a cardiac arrest survivor struggling with psychological symptoms, mindfulness may be a helpful tool for your recovery journey. Consider:

• Learning basic mindfulness practices through apps, classes or workshops
• Working with a mental health professional trained in mindfulness approaches
• Seeking support early rather than waiting for symptoms to resolve on their own
• Discussing mindfulness and other coping strategies with your healthcare team

For family members and healthcare providers, this research highlights the importance of addressing the psychological needs of cardiac arrest survivors, not just physical recovery.

Conclusions

• Mindfulness appears to be a promising approach for supporting psychological wellbeing after cardiac arrest
• Early screening and intervention for psychological symptoms is important since they often persist without treatment
• More research is needed to understand the long-term relationships between mindfulness practice and psychological recovery