Managing and coping with a diagnosis of chronic illness is an everyday, around the clock task which is both mentally and emotionally exhausting not only for the suffering individual, but also for his/ her caregiver(s). Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety often accompany the individual’s physical aches and pains.
Being diagnosed with a terminal illness can trigger a swirl of emotions not only about the uncertainty of the imminent future but also about the financial and insurance restrains that will inevitably impact the individual’s family. With limited and often scarce resources, the current state of the healthcare system in the United States can be challenging. The stress and worry of potentially losing one’s independence can be an overwhelming experience.
I have had the chance to work with critically ill clients in varying stages of the grief process: from denial, isolation and anger to bargaining, depression and acceptance of the condition. Coping techniques and strategies can be utilized in order to assist individuals to accept their future, make peace with their past and live the best possible life moving forward.
