Chronic Illness Counseling

The diagnosis of a chronic illness can be a shocking and devastating experience for everyone involved, whether the patient is you, your spouse, your parent, your child, or your friend. It is often difficult to grapple with a diagnosis of a potentially fatal and long lasting disease.

Dramatic lifestyle changes often accompany the diagnosis of a chronic illness. These changes affect both the patient, and those that care for the patient. Lifestyle changes of any kind can be difficult and there is generally a period of mental adjustment. However, the diagnosis of a chronic illness in and of itself is a traumatic experience and coupling that with significant lifestyle changes can be quite overwhelming.

Depression and Anxiety

A certain degree of sadness is expected when learning of one’s chronic illness. However, sadness and nervousness can in some cases lead to diagnosable depression and anxiety disorders. These conditions can further complicate medical problems, and in some cases can prove to be counterproductive to the treatment for your chronic illness. Depression and anxiety are medical conditions that can be treated. If you think you may be suffering from depression or anxiety, or think you’re having significant difficulty adjusting to your condition, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with a counselor. A counselor can help you evaluate your current mental condition, assist you in processing your medical events in a healthy manor, and help you obtain medication to treat your symptoms, if needed.

Tips for Coping with Chronic Illness

Depression and anxiety can leave you in a weakened physical and mental state at a time when your personal strength is vital. It is important to maintain a positive outlook to stay motivated to follow your doctor’s recommendations and lifestyle changes. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

1. Learn how to live with the physical effects of the illness. You may have to learn to do things differently to account for any debilitating effects your illness may have on your body. You may be more limited in what you are physically able to do, or you may have to find new ways to perform everyday tasks. Consult with your doctor, friends, family, and/or counselor to put together an action plan ahead of time so you won’t get discouraged when faced with certain challenges.
2. Learn how to deal with the treatments. You may be in a weakened state after receiving medical treatment. You may require assistance from a caretaker to make your treatments more manageable. Ask your doctor what side effects you should expect from your treatment and prepare accordingly in advance. This will reduce your stress during treatment and make it easier for you to focus on recuperating and recovering.
3. Ensure clear communication with your doctor. You are bound to have many questions for you doctor. Make a list of all your questions and concerns to take with you to your next appointment to make sure you don’t forget anything. If you think you may be overwhelmed with emotion during your appointment, bring someone with you to help make sure you get all your questions answered. Make sure you know how to reach your doctor or one of their nurses by phone or by email, and ask them what their response time is normally like to avoid unnecessary stress when trying to reach your doctor.
4. Try to maintain a positive outlook and emotional balance. Your mental state is critically important when you are in a weakened physical state. A positive outlook can literally help you heal. Just because you have an illness, it doesn’t mean you can’t laugh and enjoy the things you love. It may limit some of your activities, but you should make an effort to participate in as many fun activities as you can. It’s important to have something to laugh about and something to look forward to.
5. Maintain confidence and a positive self image. Your body may go through some changes either during treatment or as a direct result of your illness. It’s important to love yourself during and despite any changes you may experience. Each of us is precious, and it’s important not to lose sight of how special you are.
6. Get help as soon as signs of depression and anxiety appear. You may not be able to cope with the symptoms of depression and anxiety by yourself. Counselors are trained to help you work through these issues. In some cases it may be necessary to meet with a medical doctor or psychiatrist to get medication to help manage some of the symptoms. However, it is still important to seek counseling to work through the causes of your depression and/or anxiety so that medication will no longer be necessary.

Above all else, remember that you are not alone. Someone else is going through the same emotional and physical distress that you are. Your emotional response to your chronic illness is normal. However, it is important to focus on your mental status more now than ever before. Be conscious of your mental wellbeing and make it a top priority.