| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hillary Angel
Phone: (909) 390-1239
E-mail: hangel@wilkinguge.com
Coping with a Chronic Illness San Diego, July 31, 2008 – “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.
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