Medical research has confirmed that depression that emerges after a heart attack, if left unaddressed, increases the risk of further cardiovascular emergencies [DepreMI Study, Journal of American College of Cardiology, Dec. 5, 2006].

The implication is clear: If you have suffered a heart attack and are now experiencing a significant change in your overall mood or attitude, you should consult a mental health professional and obtain effective treatment now. Your health could depend on it.

Mark Bottinick, LCSW-C, has developed expertise in helping heart attack survivors or those diagnosed with heart disease to regain emotional well-being. He works by phone or in-person out of his office in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Eliminating the common but troubling emotions that result from a heart attack such as fear, sadness, hopelessness, futility, numbness, etc. Eliminating persistent, intrusive negative thoughts or worries, such as “I feel like a time bomb. Is today the day it will happen again?” Releasing counter-productive beliefs such as "I can't recover. I'll never regain my health." Relieving the understandable anxiety associated with having to make important treatment decisions Easing the way to let go of unhealthy behaviors (like smoking) and to adopt healthy habits such as exercise or dietary changes Helping you obtain family support for the changes you need to make Helping you to re-connect with joyful emotions and find meaning in your challenges

Mark’s approach is to combine traditional psychotherapy with cutting-edge energy psychology techniques. Energy psychology is a new branch of psychotherapy that is gaining world-wide attention for its ease of use, speed, and ability to bring about dramatic, long-lasting results. The techniques are designed to be extremely gentle, and don’t require endless “talk therapy.” The effects are often astonishing – Mark frequently sees highly charged negative feelings eliminated in a single session.

Depression and anxiety are natural, understandable reactions to a life-altering trauma. It may seem impossible that these troubling emotions could be replaced with positive emotions, but it is possible with effective therapy. Don’t let depression and anxiety further degrade your health; let Mark assist you to return to a true sense of well-being.