COPING WITH WORRY
AFTER A CLOT
Navigating the challenging waters of health-related anxiety, especially after being diagnosed with a blood clot, can feel overwhelming. Realising that each question and concern shared by those who have experienced a venous thromboembolism (VTE) is laced with apprehension and a quest for understanding, we’ve crafted this dedicated space.
For many people, a diagnosis of a blood clot (venous thromboembolism) is a shock and can feel very frightening. Not understanding what caused the clot, its implications, and fear for future health often cause anxiety which can impact on our mood and everyday activities. These concerns can be made worse by a lack of information and support.
It is important to know you are not alone, and that feeling anxious or worried is very normal. In fact, clinical research has demonstrated that the psychological impact of venous thromboembolism can be life-changing, and that accessing information and support as soon as possible can significantly reduce its impact.
The following information aids have been prepared by Professor Paul Bennett, clinical psychologist and Lead of Thrombosis UK’s ‘Regain’ programme, and Dr Rachael Hunter, clinical psychologist: both from Swansea University. They are provided as tools for help and reassurance. However, it is always important to speak to your own healthcare professional to discuss your own specific and individual concerns or questions.
INFORMATION BOOKLETS
We provide information booklets on a number of topics related to anxiety. These provide information on coping with acute short-term anxiety (or panic) and the longer term, but equally problematic, experience of excessive and intrusive worries. They also provide information on coping with disturbed sleep. There are two ‘levels’ of information for each topic: a basic information sheet, and a more detailed booklet for people who want to delve deeper into each topic.
INFORMATION FILMS
Thrombosis UK Closed Facebook page
Thrombosis UK Closed Facebook page welcomes anyone with a diagnosis of a blood clot to join this moderated closed group which offers support, shared experience and friendship from others who understand and have experienced a VTE.
Patient meetings:
Seeking further information and opportunity to talk, discuss and ask question? Join Thrombosis UK’s regular online meetings. These are free and open to anyone who has been diagnosed with a VTE or care for a loved one who has had a diagnosis of a blood clot.
#ICanBee
It is very normal to feel shocked and anxious after a diagnosis of a blood clot, but embracing the ‘I Can Bee…’ pledge, helps to rebuild positivity that can help you to overcome challenges and strive to achieve dreams and goals.
Read our ‘I can bee…’ patient accounts.
Find NHS local psychological therapy services
NHS England provides information to help find psychological therapy services in England.
You can refer yourself directly to a psychological therapies service (IAPT) without seeing your GP.
These services offer therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), for common problems including:
- stress
- anxiety
- depression
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- phobias
Anyone who is registered with a GP can access psychological therapies on the NHS.
Thrombosis UK now offers access to online psychological support for people experiencing significant emotional difficulties following a thrombosis.
The sessions are provided via zoom and, initially, for a maximum of six sessions. In order to access this support, please contact us via the form, answering a few questions about your experiences. We will get back to you with a suggested appointment time or an estimated waiting time if the service is already at full capacity.