Coping with a Chronic Illness

This can't be happening." "What do I do now?" "Why me?" A chronic illness, such as cancer or diabetes, can literally put your life on hold when it is diagnosed, causing you to sort through overwhelming feelings of denial, anger and fear.

Chronic illnesses can also affect on your mobility and independence, which tend to impact your career, children, relationships, self-esteem and other activities. The California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT) recommends that you monitor early warning signs and psychological behaviors that may lead to severe depression, anxiety and grief. These characteristics include:

- Excessive anger, irritation or violent behavior
- Sleep deprivation
- Inability to cope with daily activities
- Loss of energy and fatigue
- Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Overwhelming feeling of sadness and grief

Should you, a loved one or a friend exhibit these signs, CAMFT offers the following tips to manage the effects of chronic illness:

- Accept and understand the illness and its side effects.
- Maintain open communication with doctors.
- Maintain a positive self-image and confidence.
- Start a new hobby. Be creative. Join an art class or creative writing
  class.
- Follow through with your goals even when you feel discouraged.
  It takes effort and commitment to fulfill your desires.
- Create a support network that will provide encouragement.
- Seek help when you need it. Therapy can ease common sources of
  stress, including depression, coping strategies and grief. To locate a
  licensed mental health professional, visit www.CounselingCalifornia.com.

About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, with 27 chapters throughout the state, is an independent professional organization, representing the interests of licensed marriage and family therapists. CAMFT provides CounselingCalifornia.com as a resource to the public looking for marriage and family therapists located in California. For more information about CAMFT, please call (858) 292-2638 or visit www.camft.org.

Media Contact: Amber Albrecht
Porter Novelli
Phone: (619) 687-7015 or (949) 500-2535
E-mail: amber.albrecht@porternovelli.com