Tips for Coping with the Distress of a Medical Condition

Having a medical condition can create a lot of distress. To help understand what type of impact a medical condition can have on someone's overall well-being and for tips on coping with the distress of a medical condition, I have interviewed psychotherapist Lunden Abelson, MA, BC-DMT, LPC.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. I am a Dance/Movement Therapist, which is a specialty with in the creative art therapies. I have years of experience working with both adults and children on issues related to trauma, depression, anxiety and Autism."

What type of impact can a medical condition have on someone's overall well-being?
"A medical condition can change how people experience their relationship to their life, their loved ones and their body. It is not uncommon for people suffering from a medical condition to experience depression and this can often impact their outlook on life and their relationships with others. Being ill often forces people into an identity shift, which can be jarring. They are now a sick person who is experiencing their life in a different way then they had imagined. For some individuals who accept their illness a medical condition can be a catalyst that encourages them to live their life differently in ways they find more rewarding and fulfilling then they may had been prior to their diagnosis."

What are some tips for coping with the distress of a medical condition?
"I encourage individuals who are coping with distress from a medical condition to seek out therapy. There are many emotional, physical and life style changes that may occur due to a medical condition, which having someone to help the individual sort through the experience is helpful. I also encourage anyone with a medical condition to involve family and friends in their therapeutic process, as it is appropriate for them. A person's illness is going to impact their family and community and it helps if everyone has a place to process and cope with the changes. I encourage people to journal, communicate with their friends and family and to honor that they are having an emotional experience along with the physical illness."

What type of professional help is available for someone that is having a difficult coping with the distress of a medical condition?
"For someone who is having difficulty coping there are both individual and group therapy options . For some particular illnesses there are support groups specifically for individuals living with that disease."

Thank you Lunden for doing the interview on tips for coping with the distress of a medical condition. For more information on Lunden Abelson or her work you can check out her website on http://www.seedsofpotential.com/.

Recommended Readings:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5900336/how_to_reduce_mental_fatigue.html?cat=5">How to Reduce Mental Fatigue
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/188211/how_to_keep_your_mind_healthy_with.html?cat=72">How to Keep Your Mind Healthy with Mental Exercises
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5997016/relaxation_tips_for_stressful_situations.html?cat=5">Relaxation Exercises for Stressful Situations