After a heart attack or stroke, following the doctor’s orders is important for physical recovery, but emotional support is just as important for cardiac and stroke survivors.

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association offers an online support network to help heart and stroke patients, as well as their families and caregivers. Like a conventional support group, the support network connects patients who are going through similar journeys. The monitored network also gives individuals access to experts via online chats and webinars, as well as personal insights from fellow survivors and caregivers.

It’s common for people to feel depressed, isolated, and overwhelmed after having a heart attack or stroke. About 85.6 million Americans are living with some form of cardiovascular disease or the after-effects of stroke, and research suggests as many as 30–50 percent of stroke survivors develop depression in the early or later phases after a stroke.

“Emotional support is extremely important to recovering patients and caregivers,” asserts Stacy Quinn, a transient ischemic attack survivor and volunteer for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. “Feeling alone and becoming depressed are common after a heart attack or stroke. Interacting and connecting with others who have been through the same thing can help ease those feelings.”

The support network is a place to ask questions, find helpful information and tips, and share concerns or fears. The network also provides information and materials for starting face-to-face community-based support groups and resources for healthier living.

To get involved, visit www.heart.org/SupportNetwork or www.StrokeAssocation.org/SupportNetwork.