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Diagnosis of an incurable illness can be devastating. You likely have a lot to think about and many significant decisions to take. However, there are strategies out there that you can use to cope with emotional distress while preserving the quality of your life. Want to learn more? Path to Hope Counselling shares five ways to cope with your new transition.
1. Boost Your Mental Health
Mindset is everything. One of the best ways to deal with your condition is to adopt a mindset of positivity and growth. No matter the hurdles ahead of you, with a great outlook, you’ll be ready to face challenges with confidence. The best way to improve your mindset is to work on your mental health. Practice mindfulness, do some meditation, and list out gratitude prompts. Refer to counselors like the team at Path to Hope to receive professional advice and support. Prioritize light exercise and self-care. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference these small changes make!
2. Knowledge Is Power
According to a study in the Oxford Journal, knowledge is critical to charting the best course of action. Be sure to do your research to learn more about your illness, its prognosis, ways to cope, and the best doctors and treatments out there. You may also want to join a support group and reach out to other patients who have gone through the same thing. Hearing stories similar to your own can help you fully understand your disease and make you feel heard.
3. Set a Plan in Place
Armed with information, you will soon be ready to set up a plan of action. Here, set up a rough outline of to-dos you need to figure out and decisions you need to make. This could be anything from finalizing your will to financing your medical care. If you need additional funds, consider refinancing your home. If you are a homeowner with an FHA loan, opting for FHA Streamline refinancing will allow for a higher loan to value ratio, which is valuable for borrowers with little to no pre-existing equity. Other events to plan for include housing options, care, and making time for loved ones.
4. Find the Right Support
The American Psychological Association reports that a life-threatening illness can leave you feeling isolated and cut off from your loved ones. If you think that you’re unable to cope on your own or that other people don’t understand your feelings, it’s time to find the right support system for your needs. Hiring help such as professional caregivers can help you with essential day-to-day functioning and working on your physical strength. When it comes to friends and family, try to sit them down and communicate your needs.. Tell them how you want to be treated because now isn’t the time to retreat into your shell. Remember – you are not a burden, and your loved ones want to support you through it all.
5. Relieve Stress
And by that, we mean – do what feels good. If you spend your day managing symptoms and balancing doctor’s visits, you’re not leaving much time to just be. It will be critical to find little ways to relieve stress, whether it is helping someone or doing something that brings a smile to your face. Make a master list of the activities that spark joy and help you forget about the worries and burdens of everyday life.
Getting diagnosed with a terminal illness brings forward an immediate reshuffling of priorities, along with a wide variety of challenges and concerns. As you move into this transition, don’t forget to implement these strategies to cope – they will provide you with the balance and strength you need to conquer your new life.
Want to reach out for help and learn more about this subject? Our team at Path to Hope Counseling is here to help. Click here to schedule a free 20-minute consultation or reach out at pathtohopec@hushmail.com for more information today.
