Chronic Illness Support Groups; Ray of Hope for many - Chronic Illness Support groups can be provided to those with long lasting or permanent illnesses, including cancer. It helps to reduce stress and share problems with others in the same situation. They simply provide encouragement, support and guidance and offer advice whenever you need someone to talk to. There are various other steps you can take to help you feel more positive about everything, and the support groups will teach you how to do this, and offer tips for you to put into action and improve your state of mind.
Chronic Illness Support Groups; Ray of Hope for many
By Jake Edmund
Dec 1, 2010 - 8:25:04 AM
A Chronic
Illness is one which is long lasting or permanent. The top five of
these currently include heart disease, cancer, stroke, COPD (Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and diabetes. Dealing with any of them
can be both mentally and physically draining for the patient and a
very stressful time for their loved ones as well.
There
are various methods which can help to improve the situation and make
it less worrying.
Chronic Illness Support
can be provided
by discussion groups or a counsellor to help affected patients come
to terms with their disease and share their thoughts and problems
with others in a similar position. It makes them feel as if they are
not alone, and that there are other people out there just like them,
who can truly relate to and understand what they are going
through.
Many of these
support groups are provided by religious organisations, but usually
anyone is welcome to take part and you don’t need to believe in God
to join. They make everyone feel welcome and equal, so there is no
need to feel embarrassed or left out. A Life Coach or support group
can help you to deal with aspects such as easing pain, staying
positive and not giving up. Basically, their main aim to provide
encouragement, advice and support, especially to those who feel they
don’t have anyone to talk to, or if they’re not sure anyone will
understand.
You need to
learn to accept that the illness may not go away. Instead, focus on
your aspects of well being, such as certain activities you can still
enjoy, or personal feelings, rather than physical health. Surround
yourself with positive people that you love, and maintain as normal
family life as possible. Voice any problems to a trusted friend or
relative and don’t keep it bottled up inside. Distract yourself by
getting involved in fun and productive activities. All these things
will help take your mind off the illness and get you through the
difficult times.
The main
thing is to live your life to the full, and take every day as it
comes. It’s a good idea to make a list of goals and activities you
want to achieve in the near future, and focus on making them happen.
Put them up on the wall, and make sure you achieve one or two of
these each day. You will feel a purpose in life and satisfaction when
you have completed the things you’ve always wanted to do.
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