Coping and support

It's natural to feel worried if you or your child are diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Here are a few ways to help you ease stress and anxiety and best manage your or your child's condition.

• Join a support group. A support group allows you to share personal experiences and feelings with others who are going through similar challenges. Some people find that a support group gives them hope, encouragement and support. Ask your doctor if there are any support groups for parents of children with heart defects or adults with congenital heart disease in your area.
• Ask for help and take a break. If your child has a heart defect, be sure to give yourself a break at times. Ask other family members or friends to help take care of your child. When your child is in the hospital, see if you can schedule friends and family to visit with your child so that you can go home to take a shower or nap, or to spend time with your other children.
• Keep a diary. To help coordinate your or your child's care, you might keep a notebook with your or your child's diagnosis, medications, surgeries and dates, and the cardiologist's name and number. This information will be valuable to others who might care for your child and will help any new doctor understand your or your child's health history.
• Review your health insurance plan. If you change health insurance plans, be sure your new plan will cover your or your child's care. Some plans might not allow coverage for preexisting conditions or might require a waiting period.