The impacts of chronic illness can have a negative effect on individuals due to the accompanying stress and anxiety. When this stress and anxiety is enduring and prevents a person from returning to their baseline functioning, it is called post-traumatic stress.
Post-traumatic stress has serious implications for people with chronic illnesses.
Biological
- More bothersome symptoms
- Increased depression
- Increased utilization of medical care
Psychological
- Embitterment, including bitterness, defeat, anger, hostility
- Demoralization including hopelessness, helplessness, isolation
Social
- Isolation
- Alienation
- Stigma
With therapy, people with chronic illness are more likely to experience post-traumatic growth, which is the process of positive transformation after a trauma.
Post traumatic growth has been shown to improve people’s mental health, their overall health status, and how they experience their symptoms.
Many people report positive self-growth as a result of adapting to chronic illness. Therapists can help their clients with chronic illness achieve post-traumatic growth many ways, depending on the time and progression of the illness:
At time of diagnosis:
- Encouraging social support
- Offering understanding that is free of guilt or blaming
- Providing psychoeducation
- Providing a sense of safety
- Bringing awareness to potential impacts on biological, social, and psychological aspects of life
In transitional periods of life:
- Encouraging social support
- Providing psychological support
Long-Term
- Providing continued psychoeducation
- Encouraging continued social support
- Providing continued psychological support
- Increasing cultural and social awareness
- Respecting the individual’s self-management
I am especially interested in working with clients and their families who are affected by chronic illness. My first career was as a nurse and I have personal experience with chronic illness. Reach out if I can support you, your partner, or your family as you deal with chronic illness.