Together on Thursday: Reflecting on Sleep, Stress, and Heart Health
Session Date: 24th July 2025 | 8:00 – 9:00 PM IST
Every last Thursday of the month, Heart Health India Foundation (HHIF) brings together patients, caregivers, and advocates to pause and reflect — not just on medical conditions, but also on the emotions and everyday realities behind them. The session on 24th July focused on how sleep, stress, and mental health influence cardiac recovery and long-term heart health.
Stories from the Field: Army Events and Real Conversations
Before the core discussion, Mr. Neeraj Sharma and Mr. Sajidur Rahman shared experiences from two recent Beat Bad Cholesterol awareness events held in Jaipur and Kolkata, in collaboration with the Indian Army.
Mr. Neeraj spoke about addressing a packed auditorium at the Command Hospital in Jaipur, where soldiers actively engaged with questions on cholesterol, lifestyle, and alcohol consumption. He recounted how Dr. Roy addressed common misconceptions — particularly around the perceived safety of alcohol and the comparative dangers of cholesterol versus triglycerides — with remarkable clarity and patience.
Mr. Sajidur reflected on his session at the Army Hospital in Kolkata, highlighting the logistical discipline, punctuality, and unique health concerns of the soldiers. Many participants raised issues around disrupted sleep due to shift duties, high reliance on processed foods in remote postings, and the limited age window for routine lipid profile testing. His takeaway was clear: there is an urgent need for systemic policy changes within institutional health protocols, especially as younger personnel begin to show early signs of heart disease.
When Psychology Meets Cardiology: Insights from Ms. Parul Malik
The main discussion was led by Ms. Parul Malik, a counselling psychologist from Chandigarh with over a decade of experience, including work with the armed forces. She began by reminding participants that while heart health is often measured through numbers — LDL, BP, ECG — what lies beneath is rarely discussed: emotional wellbeing and mental clarity.
Ms. Malik explained how chronic stress, disrupted routines, and unresolved anxiety can manifest physically, particularly through disturbed sleep cycles, a common issue among heart patients. She emphasised that healing is not just biological but also psychological, shaped by environment, habits, and mindset.
She encouraged attendees to participate in simple reflective exercises and requested camera interaction to foster connectedness in the virtual space. Drawing from her clinical experience, she highlighted that no two patient stories are alike — even when symptoms appear similar, emotional histories and coping patterns remain unique.
The session maintained a safe, non-judgemental atmosphere. By blending clinical understanding with real-life narratives, Ms. Malik helped participants view their recovery journey with greater compassion and insight.
Key Takeaways
- Mental health is integral to cardiac recovery. Emotional distress, unresolved fears, and prolonged stress can worsen symptoms.
- Sleep is not just rest — it is regulation. Disturbed sleep can trigger hormonal imbalances and blood pressure fluctuations.
- Patients benefit from reflective spaces. Guided sessions provide safe platforms to speak freely and find community support.
- Institutional health systems must evolve. With early cardiac issues rising in younger populations, routine screening and flexible health policies need to adapt.
Closing Note
The Together on Thursday sessions are more than just discussions they are pauses. Moments to breathe, to reflect, and to ask the questions that often go unspoken. HHIF believes that conversations can heal.
For those who missed the July session, the next edition promises more stories, questions, and answers that matter. Whether it is about understanding recovery better or simply listening to someone who has walked the same path — Together on Thursday is where heart health becomes human.
Join the upcoming session. The story that stays with you might just be the one you hear there.
Stay connected through HHIF’s WhatsApp community for session updates, recordings, and more:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BxYQyzqfiFq4cSRj1miVTv
