Bem-estar
Informação geral sobre stress, saúde mental e saúde do coração.
Como se ligam
Pobreza
A falta de dinheiro, comida ou casa segura causa stress constante.
Saúde mental
Ansiedade e depressão são mais comuns quando a vida é difícil.
Saúde do coração
O stress prolongado pode aumentar a tensão arterial.
Esta página não substitui um médico. A informação aqui é geral e não é aconselhamento médico. Se se sente mal, tem dor no peito, falta de ar, ou pensa em fazer mal a si próprio, procure ajuda imediata na unidade sanitária mais próxima ou fale com alguém de confiança.
Depression & Heart Disease
Major depression raises the risk of developing heart disease by roughly 40–72%, while anxiety increases heart disease risk by 26–41%.
Risco: Chronic fight-or-flight activation: high blood pressure, inflammation, elevated cortisol, increased heart rate.
Dicas
Seek screening if you feel persistently low Address one stressor at a time Combine rest, movement and social connection
Heart Attack & PTSD
Surviving a cardiac event frequently triggers PTSD, anxiety or depression — which can then worsen physical recovery.
Risco: Post-event psychological distress can reduce medication adherence and increase re-hospitalization.
Dicas
Ask for psychological support after any cardiac event Share the experience with family Follow up with integrated care
Chronic Financial Stress
Financial instability, lack of stable housing and food insecurity create constant psychological pressure that wears down mental health over time.
Risco: Adults in the poorest households are more than twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety.
Dicas
Break problems into small daily actions Talk to someone you trust Use Biscates for quick income to regain a sense of control
Daily Coping Toolkit
Simple, evidence-based practices that reduce stress load even under economic pressure.
Dicas
5 minutes of slow breathing each morning One walk per day Name one thing you accomplished Reach out to one person Protect sleep as best you can
The Job-Loss Spiral
Mental illness can lead to job loss or lower income, deepening poverty, which in turn worsens both physical and mental health outcomes.
Risco: Loss of income removes access to treatment, food security and stable housing.
Dicas
Keep one income stream active via Biscates Lean on community savings groups (xitique) Seek peer support early
Barriers to Care Under Poverty
Poverty limits access to quality healthcare, making mental health conditions harder to diagnose and treat — and compounding cardiovascular risk.
Risco: Delayed diagnosis means conditions are caught later, when they are more severe and costlier to treat.
Dicas
Use free community clinics Prioritise screening when available Treat mental and physical symptoms together