Saturday, July 17, 2010

Finding Hope when the situation seems hopeless

You go to visit your provider and your test results aren’t great. You just can’t seem to face another day of being a caregiver. Bills are mounting and you haven’t a clue how to pay them. You’ve lost your job and think you’re not going to find another one. In short, regardless of the situation, most of us feel “stuck” at some point in our lives. With the present economy, these feelings are more common then ever as many feel trapped and unsure of how to proceed.

Is there a possibility that your feelings are a result of your health issues? Did you recently change medications or stop some? Are you fearful because of a diagnosis? If you are answering yes to these questions, talk to your provider as soon as possible. Take advantage of programs and supports offered by the facility where you receive your care.

If you find that your feelings of sadness and hopelessness are so overwhelming that it’s hard for you to function, you may be dealing with a level of depression that requires professional help. Take the Mayo Clinic’s Depression Self Assessment test to help you understand if you are having symptoms of depression. This assessment can’t give you a diagnosis of depression, but it can help you evaluate your mood, so you can seek treatment if necessary.

“Talking it out” is a very helpful strategy. Three people can watch a movie and come away with very different views. When you talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, share experiences with a support group, or talk to a counselor, they maybe able to help you see things in a very different light.

It can also be helpful to write down why you feel hopeless. Just like talking to someone, it helps to clarify what the root issues might be. Solutions may appear as you continue to talk and write about them.

Years ago, a psychologist working with families dealing with chronic conditions told the audience that a high percentage of our daily frustrations could be easily addressed by eating something, taking a nap or going to the bathroom. Feelings of deep hopelessness aren’t going to be as simply resolved, but it is a good reminder to take care of the basics of eating healthy, exercising and getting sufficient sleep.

As much as possible, live in the present. Dwelling on what has happened or could happened can create feelings of being overwhelmed and fearful. Practice Mindfulness

Work on a plan for change. Write out steps for changes needed to address root issues. Periodically check to see how you are doing with them. Take small well thought out steps. Be deliberate and practical. Don’t go and toss out all your medications, quit your job or tell your spouse you want a divorce on impulse.

Research on the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is showing that this approach can be very helpful in helping people become “unstuck.” CBT is based on the idea that we are responsible for how we respond to a given situation-not the other way around.

How Emotions Work and How to Manage Them

• Adjustment Disorder Strategies, includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies

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