Emotional Adjustment To Severe Or Chronic Illness

By Kathi Whitten, LCSW

No. VA Psychotherapy Associates

. http://www.kathiwhitten.com/

More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles

Emotional Adjustment To Severe Or Chronic Illness

Cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes are among many serious, life-altering conditions. Hearing such a diagnosis is shocking to anyone. But in addition to getting necessary medical treatment, it is also important to be aware of the emotional and lifestyle adjustments that accompany any serious medical condition. A therapist is often part of the team of people who offer assistance for these conditions.

People go through various stages of reaction to the news of a serious disease or medical incident. There is frequently a normal feeling of disbelief, shock or fear in both the patient, and the patient's family. Other emotions may occur after the initial news, which may include such feelings as anger, “why me?”, worry, depression, thoughts about mortality, helplessness or denial of helplessness (such as thinking “I can take care of myself and live as though this never occurred.”).

The goal in living with a severe or chronic medical condition is ultimately acceptance. This is needed to be able to do whatever is necessary to manage the condition. One must accept the illness itself, but also find or create time in a busy schedule to make doctor's appointments, take medications, reduce stress, change eating patterns, go to physical therapy, exercise, alter lifestyle whatever this condition is now calling one to do differently to meet its needs.

It may feel as though the body has been invaded by an unwanted newcomer that does not plan to go away and one must learn to live with, and adjust to, the changes it demands.

One must modify old habits in the service of important lifestyle changes. This often involves allowing others to help us. For some, the help-seeking can be strange or uncomfortable to either ask for or to accept.

It can also be challenging for families to make adjustments as they feel their own fear, concern and anxiety. They may feel worried for the future, wanting to help but unsure how, and also having to make their own lifestyle changes to adjust. Psychotherapy can be very helpful for people with long-term, serious illness or disease. It can help with the adjustment period, teach coping skills, and assist patients and their families in coming to terms with the illness itself, as well as making modifications within the family structure to work together in a positive way to adjust to and accept the changes that have occurred.