Alcohol...and your Heart with Mel Meik

This week our guest is Psychotherapist Mel Meik who has worked for the British Heart Foundation so is very knowledgeable about heart health

She shares some life saving information in this episode

In this episode:

• As a child Mel had a tragic exposure to alcohol-related trauma:
  • At six years old, her mother survived a car accident caused by a drunk driver, which deeply impacted her views on alcohol and drink-driving.
• She also had her drink spiked once, reinforcing her need to stay in control.
• She is grateful for her "off switch" that prevents excessive drinking.
• Mel shared her knowledge of Heart disease which  is the world's leading cause of death.
• It increases blood pressure and weight.
• It also raises risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
• It can damage the heart muscle and cause abnormal heart rhythms and of course...
• Drinking large amounts in one go can dangerously slow heart rate and breathing.
• Twice as many women die from heart disease as from breast cancer and
• Women's heart attack symptoms are often different and overlooked – we are more likely to be stoic and brush off the symptoms if they are not too severe
• I asked Mel to describe the key symptoms in women:
  • Chest pain, breathlessness, sweating, nausea (often for months before an attack).
  • Pain in the left arm, feeling overly tired or weak.
• Her heart health tips are to monitor blood pressure regularly (2-3 times per week).
• Stay active (even walking helps).
• Eat a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, protein).
• Avoid smoking—a major heart disease contributor.
• We talked about our mutual friend Helen who has been with Tribe Sober for just over a year
• Mel has been friends with Helen for over 20 years so was able to describe her journey into dependence and her transformation as she ditched the drink and began to thrive in sobriety
• Helen is now happy, healthy, and inspiring others as a Tribe Sober Cheerleader
• Mel explained how she’s seen Helen’s life open up – her newfound friendships and travel plans (Copenhagen, Paris, South Africa) reflect her growth.
• Mel’s childhood trauma pushed her toward becoming a psychotherapist.
• Trained for three years while working full-time.
• Completed 200+ hours of client work and three years of personal therapy.
• Specializes in humanistic and integrative psychotherapy.
• Believes people are healed in relationships.
• I asked Mel how psychotherapy could help people in recovery
• Mel believes that it Helps address root causes of drinking (trauma, stress, avoidance).
• Can also uncover developmental trauma from childhood.
• Recommends additional support (e.g., community like Tribe Sober).
• Mel offers online therapy sessions and her website is https://www.lincolnshirepsychotherapy.co.uk/
• she offers free discovery calls

Mel sent me some useful links:-

The study on the gender bias mis diagnosis and spotting the signs of a heart attack

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/women-with-a-heart-condition/women-and-heart-disease   RevivR - learn CPR at  home in 15 minutes https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do