There are two people in my life who are battling difficult health issues. If the health issues aren’t enough of a challenge, they are both also having a tough time with anxiety and depression as a result of the uncertainty of their physical difficulties. Besides my knowing that they are spending many days not feeling well, I understand that it is not easy to move oneself through and past the concerns and fears, as well as the unknown future that permeates their daily life. The confluence of all of these issues can be paralyzing to a person.
As a result of this traffic jam of situations, a lot of what occurs in their daily lives is beyond their control. They simply have to deal with all the day to day issues that go along with negotiating the impact of a serious illness. They are committed to doc appointments, the fatigue, the loss of mobility, the side effects of medications, etc., etc. As the saying goes, they are living with “new normals” and it ain’t easy. It would be nice to see them retake control over a little piece of their lives, starting with the paralyzing anxiety. One of the two people is in fact trying very hard to keep a positive attitude, and that helps reduce the anxiety. Of course, each day brings new problems, and he is trying to stay on top of those challenges with as much support from external resources as possible. He is definitely open to asking for help and is overcoming the stigma attached to reaching out for help. The other person, not so much.
But everyone should be open to recognizing the benefits of a positive mental outlook in healing the body. Perhaps relaxation exercises are your thing. Or maybe imaging would work for you. There are many options to consider. Whether one does relaxation exercises, meditation, yoga, imaging, or any one of a myriad of other self-help programs, taking steps towards developing and maintaining a positive, proactive demeanor may go a long way in helping someone become a partner in the healing process instead of a victim of the disease.
Make each day count. Try to make each day better.
Anxiety Musings 