Living with a chronic illness may be stressful
Chronic illness can effect anyone and also those who are living with the person. Over 15 million people are noted to have a chronic condition in England, yet having a condition can feel quite isolating which maybe some of the reason online groups and websites for certain conditions have increased in number. Unfortunately a large number of the total deaths are due to long-term chronic conditions so it can cause additional stress and anxiety for some people. Some illness can be treated with occasional visits to the GP and following recommended guideline and others need continuous medical interventions.
It is important to realize that some people live with conditions and additional complications yet seem fine and others have a really tough time emotionally and physically. Finding out what an illness means to each person is important so they can receive the support they may need. Illness can feel like part of the person for some and an attachment to others so it maybe seen outside themselves. As medical staff and counsellors it is ok to ask how someone feels about their condition? One of the problems that can occur with conditions that need medical assistance from medication or doctors can open uncertainty on the internet. There is some terrific explanations explaining about functioning with the condition and what is needed for best health; there are also information on ‘cures’ and advise against medical input. This can be dangerous because some medication like insulin for type 1 diabetics cannot live without medication. If you have read information on the internet then double check it with your medical team (doctors, nurse, or specialist etc.) before making a decision.
When a diagnoses is brand new of course the person with it or family or friends try to find a fast way to being illness free. Unfortunately some have paid huge amounts for treatments that are not from the medical establishment because a cure is promised. It is also ok to ask if newer treatment that maybe available in other countries is possible in this country, medicine changes so quickly that asking helps clarify what may help ones condition. Sometimes the five stages of grief which are:
- denial,
- anger,
- bargaining,
- depression,
- acceptance
which can occur because there is the loss of the person before the diagnoses. Even when a child is born with chronic condition a parent can grieve the loss of the illness free baby that existed within their mind.
These stages can be felt at different times for both the person with the condition and those around them. A person may feel angry at the illness, hospital and those trying to help while their partner or parent maybe in denial which is why buying cures may happen. In a survey done in London 63% of diabetics were said to suffer some depression and not only at diagnoses. Anxiety is another feeling that can occur so additional support can be helpful such as counselling or using support such as groups on the internet. Feelings will change and so may the condition; if we think about years ago with polio, which attacks the nervous system and can cause varying degrees of paralysis. It was really hard to care for yet in 1953 the Salk vaccine by Dr Jonas Salk reduce the number of people getting it. Even though people recovered they still carried with them the experience of having the condition and the treatment of the time. Talking does help all those involved with the chronic illness, some will be fine with talking with their nurse or doctor and others may need emotional support and both these are fine.
If you want to get information on specific conditions then seek reputable sites advocated by the medical profession. I have lived with type 1 diabetes for 45 years after being diagnosed at age one, so a life is possible even with a condition that is lifelong.
Olivia Djouadi