Getting support

Here are some ways to help reduce the burden:

• Share your feelings with a friend, partner or counsellor. Sometimes simply talking over your worries and fears with someone else can make you feel less alone with your condition.
• Treat your body with respect by making a special effort to eat properly and get enough sleep. Doing some exercise can also make you feel better about yourself and give you a more positive outlook on life. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel tired or slightly unwell, don't overdo things.
• Try to cut back on stimulants like alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. These may give you short-term pleasure, but in the longer term they will make you feel even worse and they’ll keep you from dropping to sleep at night too.
• Experiment with relaxation techniques – Many people find meditation and visualisation techniques extremely relaxing, and it helps them feel more positive. A good way to start is to buy a relaxation tape or CD. These are widely available from book or music shops. To a background of relaxing music, you’ll be encouraged to slowly relax your body, and focus on soothing and positive thoughts.
• Indulge yourself now and then. Go for a massage or a pedicure. Being pampered by someone else can help you relax, release stored up tension and make you feel better about your life.
• Take time out to do things you enjoy, such as listening to music, sitting in the park or going to the cinema.
• Join a local patient support group – you’ll be able to make new friends and get lots of tips and advice from other people with high blood pressure who are going through the same experience as you. Your GP or practice nurse should be able to put you in touch with your local high blood pressure group.
• Stay cool - If you’re feeling anxious and can't shake off the anxiety, or if you think you might be suffering from depression, speak to your doctor who may be able to suggest solutions.
• Get enough zzzs - Getting a good night's sleep can do wonders for your feeling of wellbeing.
  If you're struggling to get to sleep, or find that you're waking up in the middle of the night, try our tips for a good night’s kip.
• Stay away from stimulants such as caffeine (including chocolate), alcohol and tobacco in the evening. These will stimulate your nervous system and make it hard for you to drop off.
• Check your non-prescription medicines as these may contain caffeine or another substance called pseudoephadrine, which will keep you awake.
• Get some exercise to ease stress and help you relax, so you don't lie there worrying about things when you should be asleep.
• Relaxation and breathing techniques can be beneficial, helping you to let go of anxieties that may prevent you from falling asleep.
• If you still can't get to sleep, it may be worth talking to your doctor or practice nurse, as it could be a sign of another medical problem.

Practical help

Sometimes a helping hand is all you need to get you off on the right track to controlling high blood pressure. A good place to start may be with the NHS and Social Services – these can provide a number of services to make your life a little easier.

For example, it may be possible to arrange home visits from an appropriate healthcare professional.

If you need equipment, such as a wheelchair or walking frame, the occupational therapy department of your local Social Services office can sometimes lend items out and help you to adapt your home.

Ask at your GP surgery to find how you can get referred to Social Services providers in your area.

Support groups & charities

The Blood Pressure Association is an organisation that provides valuable help, information and support to people with high blood pressure. It’s also a useful source of information for those caring for others with high blood pressure, or for friends and relatives. 

Contacting the Blood Pressure Association may help you to understand and manage your condition better.

Blood Pressure Association

Address: 60 Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0QS.

Website: www.bpassoc.org.uk

Telephone: 020 8772 4994

Blood Pressure Information Line: 0845 241 0989

(open 11am-3pm, Monday to Friday)

Please note contact details are for information only and are correct at time of this website going live.  Pfizer is not responsible for the content of external websites.