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Mental Health News Articles
| Posted: 24th August 2004 |
| Counselling and Therapy |
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Counselling and therapy play a beneficial role in coping with chronic pain and illness, even terminal illnessIndeed 70% reductions in visits to the doctor have been reported following counselling and stress management intervention for chronically ill patientsAfter counselling, stress reduction and self-help advice, it is shown that patients report fewer cardiovascular symptoms, better lifestyle, greater recovery and generally improved function
Chronic pain and illness can alter many aspects of a person’s life and that of their family and friendsIts demands can easily dominate a person’s life and individual or family needs may be neglectedThis response is normal as people begin to cope with the crisis, but can lead to disruption over the long term.
Relationships with family members or friends can often be intensified or disrupted by illnessCoping responses become fixed and the individual or family fears any change may affect their adjustmentIndividuals also isolate themselves in coping with the illness demands. Some people simply do not have adequate support and need friendly outside assistance
Outline of therapy
Support consists of, for example:
1. Working through the illness history – how it began, how it felt, the severity of stress it brought to the patient or family, including associated emotional responses.
2. Discussing prognoses, treatments and progressions.
3. Developing coping strategies, self-help techniques and natural care solutions.
4. Working through associated disabilities and their consequence on daily life.
5. Encouraging positivity and motivation through discussion and action, enabling the patient to take charge of their illness.
And ultimately, the process of simply listening to the patient’s day-to-day experiences in their situation has been found to be sufficient in showing subsequent improvement in both physical and psychological health.. |
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