Ever since you’ve had your blood clot, you’ve been feeling a little down. Maybe you don’t enjoy the activities you once did (either because you can’t do them or don’t feel up to it), you feel alone, are easily discouraged, emotionally charged and cry or react at the drop of a hat – literally (don’t worry, I cried for several hours over spilling spaghetti sauce in the kitchen once shortly after my PE).

Maybe you feel hopeless, like no one cares and even wonder if life’s going to be like this from now on, why not give up? It hurts to move, get up, lie down or even breathe. Feelings like this can lead to feeling hopeless and discouraged.

Dealing with depression after a blood clot is not uncommon. Experiencing a DVT or PE, brings a lot to cope with, both physically and emotionally. It can be normal to feel depressed, anxious or overwhelmed in your journey.

High levels of anxiety, depression and psychological stress are reported among patients with DVT and/or PE, and not only has research been done regarding the psychological implications of surviving a blood clot, but it has expanded greatly in the last several years.

The anxiety, fear and depression that are often felt after a blood clot can be attributed to things like: surviving a life-threatening event, limited mobility and daily function, the lifestyle impact of being placed on a long-term anticoagulant (blood thinner), decrease in quality of life, and fear of a clot returning.

The good news is, people are talking about it much more now than when I was first diagnosed with blood clots. There are several resources available regarding the emotional and psychological concerns that accompany a PE and DVT diagnosis, and as we continue to learn more, more information is becoming available.

Resources and information about depression and anxiety after a blood clot

• The psychological impact of pulmonary emoblism
• After a Pulmonary Embolism, Some People Suffer From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Recovering from a Blood Clot: What’s Mental Health Got to Do With It?
• Psychological and Social Consequences of Blood Clots
• A Blood Clot Diagnosis Doubles The Risk Of Mental Health Issues For Patients Younger Than 33
• Read my interview with WebMD: If You Worry About the Risk of Having Another DVT
• More of my emotional recovery resources

One study also notes, “although thrombosis is rare in the young, [it] can cause severe psychological distress that influences the quality of life and the coping capacities of patients.” Surviving a PE was one of the most difficult things I have had to cope with.

If you are feeling depressed, anxious, scared or unsure about all that has happened to you during and since your DVT and/or PE, here are my top tips for dealing with depression.

My top emotional recovery tips

• Remember you are not alone. Blood clots are a common medical condition. It is estimated that about 900,000 people in the United States develop DVT and PE each year.
• Talk to your doctor.  He or she may be able to direct you to other resources or provide anti-anxiety or antidepressants. Even if you do not think your primary physician will understand your concerns about depression, still inform him or her about your feelings. It may also be beneficial to seek out a referral to a counselor or psychologist as an additional support for what you are going through. Do not be afraid to ask for help!
• Understand post-thrombotic syndrome and do what you can to prevent it. One of the long-term, and potentially upsetting, effects of DVT is post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and it is not in your head. Find out more about PTS, including the emotional effects and how to help prevent it.
• Seek out a peer support group. Finding support is important when dealing with recovery from a blood clot. While some in-person support groups do exist (ask your doctor if there are any near you), they are rare. You can join BCRN’s private support group on Facebook.
• Learn about your condition. What you went through was a significant and even life-changing event. Learning about what happened to you through reading, relating to others and talking to your doctor and others can help you to feel empowered and knowledgeable about what did happen and what your recovery might entail.
• Know that your condition is treatable and manageable. Be confident in your treatment plan by discussing it with your doctor and any trusted friends or family members you may have. Connect with other people who have been where you are now.
• Write your feelings down. A daily or weekly journal of how you felt, what you did, progress you made or challenges you faced can help you to see how far you really have come over time. Writing, even if it is only a few sentences a day to express a particular emotion or event, is very helpful in releasing your feelings and giving value to them. Consider journaling or writing your story down. What you feel is important and sometimes it just feels good to get it out of your head. Read some entries from my personal journal.
• Have patience with yourself. Recovery can take a long time and it’s not easy. Know what you are okay, you are doing what you can and you are right where you need to be. Something as simple as walking to the bathroom or making a sandwich is enough for one day. If you are struggling to get back to where you were pre-blood clot physically and emotionally, remember it takes time and it is different for everyone.
• Be kind to yourself. Remember you are loved. You have been though a lot and your body and mind have been faced with a traumatic incident. It is okay to feel the way you do from time to time and it will take some time to adjust.

Where to go for help right now

If you are facing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call 911 or seek help right away from your doctor or a hospital. You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. They are a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Remember, even if it seems hopeless, there is hope for healing from blood clots and you are not alone in your journey.

Share your story. Have you felt depressed since your blood clot? How have you dealt with depression?

There is hope for healing and you are not alone,