WITH THE UPCOMING POSSIBLE EVENTS IN THE WORLD, PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS FEEL FRIGHTENED.  HINTS......Try to go on with daily activities as best as possible.  Stay away from television and radio that escalates fear.  The chronically ill need support with positive reading and viewing, perhaps a good film, a book on tape, a book, or re-establishment of a hobby.  I am not saying ignore what is going on, I am saying be informed, and the chronically ill are more interested in their own personal problems.  They need to feel safe.  They need to feel in control as best as possible. 

 Make sure that they have loved ones around them, a friend to talk to, people around them.  Good books Like anything inspirational, such as Molly and Monet, or coping with the disease that they have, and anything that instills hope.  Friends and family need to be invited to come and go.  Sometimes ....friends and family don't know what to say! If possible, get people who are ill out into the sunlight.  The warmth of the sun has healing powers. 

GET WITH IT......ALL OF YOU.....IT IS ALMOST SPRING.  THE BIRTH OF NEW FLOWERS. THE BIRTH OF NEW LIFE BEGINS AGAIN..... People do well if possible by getting their hands into the earth, as Spring is a re-birth. Play music.  It is food for the soul.  Magazines, and a structured day.  More sunlight is coming our way for the months ahead.  Structure the days into something to look forward to, with a calendar to see the accomplishments of what has taken place. If possible, people who are chronically ill do wonderful when they are alone, with a pet to sit on their lap.  Pets are loving, and expect nothing in return except loving.  Medical literature shows   that a pet adds time and meaning to people's lives, especially those who are ill and have depression and sadness. Go to the animal shelter, and pick up a dog or cat...... They provide love.  Ask your physician.....!!!!!!

CAREGIVERS......

Take time for yourself.  See that the one you are caring for is taken care of, and do something special for YOU.  Get a massage, go for a walk, go to a movie, re-generate your juices, so that you can be better to the person you are caring for.  You are doing a good job, and a worthy one.  Pat yourself on the back. 

IF NECESSARY ASK QUESTIONS ON DIPHD@EARTHLINK.NET

Diane R. Isaacs, Ph.D. Counseling Psychologist.

 DEALING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS UPDATE 12/04 KEEP CHECKING THIS SITE AS MORE AND MORE UNFOLDS ON THE NEWS.

lets talk about STRESS - a major contributor to additional problems with chronic illness.  If someone is ill, turn off the television, and don't obsess over what is going on in the world.  We have no control over anything except ourselves.  Accept that, and do what you can to make your chronic problems and illness a focus, as nobody else will for the long haul. As quoted in Newsweek February 24, 2003,there is a very detailed article about what stress does to our bodies and our brains.  ARE WE JUST FIGURING THIS OUT?  I don't think so.  

1.  Do whatever you need to do to rid yourself of the chronic anxiety, fear, and things you can do anything about. 2.  Concentrate on good and positive thoughts, taking care of what you can be in charge of.  You will have less headaches, less phobias, and LESS CHRONIC ANXIETY....therefore making life less stressful.  Again, re-focus on something you love to do.  Walk, take pictures, scrap booking, sewing, gardening, go for a ride,  listen to music....learn about self hypnosis...available on tapes.  FOR ME, I TAKE MY CAMERA FOR A WALK, TAKE THE PICTURES, AND AM WRITING ANOTHER BOOK UNDER MOLLY AND MONET PUBLICATIONS.  FOR YOU, IT MIGHT BE COOKING, MUSIC, CLASSICAL, OR WHATEVER.  MEDITATION THROUGH THE USE OF TAPES IF YOU LISTEN, LOWERS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE, AND IF YOU PRACTICE, YOU REALLY WILL FIND THAT IT WORKS.  SEE WHAT THE AUTHOR HAS DONE!  GO TO WWW.MOLLYANDMONET.COM, AND CLICK ON TO DEALING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS AND ALSO THE PAGE ON FIBROMYALGIA.  WRITE ME AN EMAIL.  I WILL TRY TO ANSWER YOU. LOOK AT THE BEAUTIFUL WORLD THROUGH THE CAMERAS EYES....GO TO: WWW.ARTDIGITALIMAGES.COM. AND GO THROUGH THE GALLERY. be positive......

CAREGIVERS........In order to provide the best care for your loved ones or who you care for, you MUST take good care of yourselves.  Do something you love in your spare time.  I write books, and manipulate and print and sell digital art.  Go to www.mollyandmonet.com or www.artdigitalimages.com.  FIND YOUR THING.  DO IT.  Walk, exercise, garden, find what you have always tucked away and have never done.  Contact me at my web site. Remember, you are giving someone a gift, by caring for them, but care for yourselves too.  Dr. Diane R. Isaacs., PhD 

Something that few of us do not like to think about is illness. Whether we suddenly become caregivers in our families, or are unexpectedly faced with short term or chronic illness of our own, we need to face reality on the subject.

People generally do not like to be around individuals who are suffering from a disease, or have been in an accident, or have been abruptly diagnosed with a chronic illness. This makes most of us very uncomfortable. It reminds us of what can happen in life. It can seem too real. Our society has not prepared us for the unfortunate things we have to face in a lifetime. Therefore, as a whole, many of us lack some of the skills to cope with these abrupt changes.

For a husband and wife coping with sudden illness or an accident between one of them, life changes considerably. More focus is placed upon how to cope, and learning to prioritize what is important to manage and live in the changed circumstances.

Those of us, who know we are going to become caregivers to sick family members on a short or long term basis, find ourselves altering our daily lives.

When we are the one who becomes chronically ill, there are other issues.

In any or all of the possible scenarios, there is one thing that we know for sure, and that is life takes a twist down a different path. Sometimes individuals can’t find the emotional energy to go see the person that is ill at the hospital, or at home.

Friends and family can suddenly disappear and are not as accessible to their loved ones as they were before for a variety of reasons. The caregiver, chronically ill, or the person with a sudden onset of a medical problem, including an accident, can feel isolated and very alone. This can feel like abandonment at the worst. As a society, we collectively cope poorly with illness and unpleasant images.

There are certain things we all can do to bring us more comfort, support, skills, and understanding.

Whether we become caregivers, to our parents, loved ones, children, or spouses, we first must understand that there are many resources available. Assistance can be found through local hospitals, and under societies for the disease that one must deal with. There are support groups to air your feelings. You do not have to feel alone and isolated.

As caregivers, information is power. Many caregivers feel like that have lost some control over their own lives, as their life becomes entwined with the one they are caring for. Caregivers need to be kind to themselves. Try to access the facilities available to you through local agencies so that you can get a break. Networking is essential. Find a way to structure your life that includes doing something for yourself that you love, to refuel your engines. Even if it is spending time with a friend, going to lunch, or just going for a walk in a park and talking, make time to be a caregiver to yourself. You will be a better caregiver, and more vitalized. If necessary, speak with a professional.

When we are the chronically ill, depending on the degree and the illness, we also must become very informed about our situation. Information gives us control over what is going on. Individuals need to structure their days, attempt to arrange and plan  time productively. Prepare to map out what you love and enjoy doing. If you are feeling alienated, speak up, and seek private help to talk out your feelings and problems. Search for a group regarding your problem. If you are able, help others, by donating your time to something you enjoy.

The above statements are not a solution or answer to all problems dealing with chronic illness. In the book "Molly & Monet," two lovable dogs were dealing with their family as the family attempted to cope with chronic illness, catastrophe, and ultimately a permanent loss. Molly watches her family go to the hospital, and sits by the door. She feels the sadness, and confusion. Even Molly shows us in the book that she does the best she can. Her job is to be a "good girl," a "perfect girl."

For help:

Speak to your doctors….

Ask your professionals for the organizations to network with….

Gather information on all aspects of the problems you are coping with….

Investigate a support group for the caregiver, or the person who is ill….

Get private help to support you….