If you've ever dealt with a chronic illness, you know how challenging it can be to remain optimistic and hopeful. In the face of a society that worships workaholism and getting ahead, you may find it hard to fit in, knowing that you have limited energy to spend on the multitude of activities that others take for granted. Perhaps there are people in your life who expect you to perform the duties you've always handled. Friends and even some family members may distance themselves from you, unable to cope with your limitations. Some diseases include depression as a symptom, and others can leave you with long-term situational depression, which is to say that anyone in your circumstances would feel depressed. When your diagnosis is a terminal one, the adjustment of grappling with and accepting that your life is going to end in the near future is one that is best dealt with by getting support from others. Although illness may seem like something family members and friends should naturally help you with, there are those who are unable to be as supportive as we would like them to be. Getting counseling from a therapist who is trained in mind-body approaches can be a wonderful adjunct to support from your family or community. Mind-body modalities can help to reduce chronic pain, anxiety and depression that accompany physical disease. A psychotherapist experienced in working with people who are ill can offer a safe haven for expressing emotions that may, at times, become overwhelming for you and the people closest to you. If you have an illness that is difficult to manage, you could benefit from a seeing a psychotherapist who works with physical illness and the challenging emotions that arise. You may have the physical or medical support you need, but be sure you give attention to your mental, emotional and spiritual needs as well. Knowing that you aren't alone when your physical body hits limitations can make all the difference. With kindness, Carmen |
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CategoriesAnxiety and PanicBasic Body Psychotherapy Depression Illness Mindfulness |
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