February is Heart Health Month, a time when we’re reminded to take care of our hearts. During this time, we often think about blood pressure, cholesterol, exercise, and diet. But there’s another part of heart health that doesn’t get talked about enough: mental and emotional well-being.
Our hearts and minds are deeply connected. Stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use don’t just affect how we feel emotionally — they can also have a real impact on our physical heart health.
How Stress and Anxiety Affect the Heart
When stress becomes constant, the body stays in “fight or flight” mode. Over time, this can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and cause inflammation throughout the body. Chronic stress and anxiety can also affect sleep, eating habits, and energy levels, all of which play a role in heart health.
Many people live with ongoing stress related to work, finances, relationships, or caregiving. When there’s no outlet or support, that stress can quietly take a toll on both the mind and the heart.
Substance Use, Mental Health, and Heart Risk
Mental health challenges and substance use often go hand in hand. Some people turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with anxiety, trauma, or emotional pain. While it may feel like temporary relief, substance use can increase the risk of heart disease, heart rhythm problems, and high blood pressure.
Alcohol, stimulants, and other substances place extra strain on the cardiovascular system. At the same time, untreated mental health struggles can make it harder to make healthy choices or seek medical care. Addressing mental health and substance use together is an important step toward protecting long-term heart health.
Why Connection and Support Matter
Human connection is one of the strongest protective factors for both mental and physical health. Feeling supported reduces stress hormones, improves emotional resilience, and helps people feel less alone during difficult times.
Support can come in many forms: peer groups, family support, trusted friends, or community programs. Knowing that someone understands and cares can make a real difference in healing and recovery.
Caring for Your Heart and Mind, Without Pressure
Taking care of your mental and heart health doesn’t require perfection or constant positivity. Remember: small, realistic steps can add up over time. Try:
Talking openly about stress instead of carrying it alone
Reaching out for support when things feel overwhelming
Creating simple routines that support rest and balance
Limiting substance use and seeking help if cutting back feels hard
Practicing self-compassion
You don’t have to “stay positive” all the time to take care of yourself. Being honest about how you’re feeling is a powerful form of self-care and can be practiced by living a more honest, authentic life.
How Elevate Can Help
At Elevate, we understand that heart health is about more than physical symptoms. Our peer support, family support, and prevention programs focus on the whole person — mind, body, and community.
Through connection, education, and early intervention, Elevate helps individuals and families build healthier, more stable futures. No one has to face mental health or substance use challenges alone.
If you or someone you love is struggling, Elevate is here to support heart health in every sense of the word. Learn more about our services or reach out for support by exploring our website, ElevateYou.org, or by calling 262-677-2216.
