Susan Drysdale, PhD

Coping with Illness

Living well with an illness involves learning important coping skills. Medical procedures need to be balanced with all other activities and responsibilities. Self-care should become a part of one’s routine, not the focus of one’s life.

You need to a) maintain self-esteem despite physical changes, b) ask for help when necessary, c) still appreciate the positive aspects of life, d) find sources of strength, and e) learn how to pace activities according to your abilities and disabilities.

It is an established fact that many illnesses have a psychological component. Even if an emotional state isn’t actually causing or worsening physiological symptoms, strong emotions can result from a medical problem. Especially when a condition becomes chronic, negative feelings may result, e.g. depression or anxiety. We can work together to find solutions.

Counseling can help you a) become aware of the feelings associated with the medical issues, b) express these emotions when necessary, c) gain the skills needed to resolve or diminish negative emotions, and d) learn the skills needed to live well with a medical condition.