|
Coping with a Chronic Illness
This can’t be happening.” “What
do I do now?” “Why me?” A chronic illness, such as cancer
or diabetes, can literally put your life on hold when it is diagnosed,
causing you to sort through overwhelming feelings of denial, anger and
fear.
Chronic illnesses can also affect on your mobility and independence,
which tend to impact your career, children, relationships, self-esteem
and other activities. The California Association of Marriage & Family
Therapists (CAMFT) recommends that you monitor early warning signs and
psychological behaviors that may lead to severe depression, anxiety and
grief. These characteristics include:
• Excessive anger, irritation or violent
behavior
• Sleep deprivation
• Inability to cope with daily activities
• Loss of energy and fatigue
• Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
• Overwhelming feeling of sadness and grief Should you, a loved one or a friend exhibit these signs, CAMFT offers
the following tips to manage the effects of chronic illness:
• Accept and understand the illness and its side effects.
•
Maintain open communication with doctors.
•
Maintain a positive self-image and confidence.
•
Start a new hobby. Be creative. Join an art class or creative writing
class.
•
Follow through with your goals even when you feel discouraged.
It takes effort and commitment to fulfill your desires.
•
Create a support network that will provide encouragement.
•
Seek help when you need it. Therapy can ease common sources of
stress,
including depression, coping strategies and grief. To locate a
licensed
mental health professional, visit www.TherapistFinder.com.
About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family
Therapists, with 27 chapters throughout the state, is an independent professional
organization, representing the interests of licensed marriageand family
therapists. CAMFT provides TherapistFinder.com as a resource to the public
looking for marriage and family therapists located in California. For
more information about CAMFT, please call (858) 292-2638 or visit www.camft.org.
Media Contact: Tricia Whittemore
Porter Novelli
Phone: (619) 687-7018 or (603) 219-6088
E-mail: tricia.whittemore@porternovelli.com
| 
