Don’t Choose Between Your Head and Heart This World Heart Day

CRY Ireland offers six free counselling sessions with an IACP accredited therapist for those  who have been diagnosed with an inherited cardiac condition and families who have suffered a loss due to sudden cardiac death.

Capturing the Heartfelt Collaboration: Margherita Cummins and Lucia Ebbs – CEO from CRY Ireland,alongside Séamus Sheedy – Chair of IACP, and Lisa Molloy – CEO of IACP, unite for World Heart Day to shine a spotlight on the vital intersection of mental well-being and cardiac health. For more information visit cry.ie and iacp.ie

This World Heart Day 2023, September 29th, two Irish registered charities – Cardiac Risk in  the Young (CRY) Ireland and the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) – have teamed up to encourage families of young people living with an inherited cardiac condition and families who have suffered, or are at risk of, a sudden cardiac death (SCD) to avail of mental health support services including counselling.

CRY Ireland supports these individuals and families across the Republic of Ireland and  Northern Ireland through counselling and family support programmes, as well as providing a  freephone helpline service.

The aftermath of losing a young person to sudden cardiac death, or a young person  receiving a diagnosis of an inherited cardiac condition can be a challenging time. The young  person and their families may feel stressed, anxious or in some instances even depressed.  Up to 80 lives of people under 35 years of age are lost as a result of sudden cardiac death in  Ireland each year.

The added challenge of the psychological impact of a cardiac condition along with managing  the physical demand can greatly decrease a person’s overall quality of life. Through its Family  Support Programme, CRY Ireland offers up to six free counselling sessions with an IACP  accredited therapist for affected young people and their families.

Lucia Ebbs, CEO of CRY Ireland, says:

“It is important that families that have suffered, or are at risk of, a sudden cardiac death  (SCD) of a young person, and young people who have been diagnosed with an inherited  cardiac condition, take the necessary steps to take care of their mental well-being.

We know from working with individuals and families that following a diagnosis, this can be a  very difficult time and subsequently a person’s mental state may suffer as a result.  Collaborating with IACP supports our families by combining their expertise in providing  professional counselling and psychotherapy services. Together, we aim to deliver  comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of heart health”

Lisa Molloy, CEO of the IACP, commented:

“Joining hands with CRY Ireland on World Heart Day highlights our shared commitment to  recognising the profound emotional impact of cardiac conditions on individuals and their  loved ones.”

Seámus Sheedy, Chair of the IACP also commented: “At the IACP, we are dedicated to  providing professional counselling and psychotherapy services to help individuals cope with  the emotional toll of health challenges. Together, we strive to provide the support and  understanding necessary to navigate these challenges with resilience and hope.”

Families affected by sudden cardiac death or those living with a diagnosis of an inherited  cardiac condition wishing to apply for up to six free counselling sessions with an IACP  accredited therapist can do so by emailing info@cry.ie

For more information on CRY Ireland please visit: www.cry.ie.

To see more about the IACP, please visit: www.iacp.ie

About CRY:

CRY Ireland is a self-supporting, Irish charity, which was founded in 2002 to facilitate access  to all families in Ireland, both North and South, who have been affected by, or are at risk  from, sudden cardiac death of a young person, or living with an inherited cardiac condition,  to free screening and to offer emotional support services in an empathic environment. This  will also further support research into the prevention of sudden cardiac death.

CRY’s main objectives are:

• To facilitate free Clinical Assessment and Management to all families of a young  person who are living with an Inherited Cardiac Condition or have suffered, or are at  risk of, a sudden cardiac death.

• To provide a Family Support Programme, offering free access to Listening  Volunteers, Mentors and bereavement specialists.

•  To organise events and provide access to information and networks.

• To support research into the causes and prevention of sudden cardiac death, in  collaboration with other like-minded bodies.

About IACP:

The IACP was established in 1981 to identify, develop, and maintain professional standards  of excellence in counselling and psychotherapy. Our work promotes best practice and the  development of the profession. The IACP represents more than 5,600 members based in  communities all over the country and is the largest counselling and psychotherapy  association in Ireland. To find an accredited counsellor or psychotherapist near you use the  Find a Therapist Tool on www.iacp.ie.