Chronic & Terminal Illness
“Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation. It means understanding that something “is what it is” and there’s got to be a way through it” – Michael J. Fox (Parkinson’s Disease)
What is a chronic condition?
A chronic illness is broadly defined as a condition that lasts one year or more, affects day-to-day life and requires ongoing medical attention. Some chronic conditions are degenerative (meaning they will get worse over time) while others will remain fairly steady with good and bad days.
Who is impacted by a chronic condition diagnosis?
Anyone can be diagnosed with a chronic condition at any stage of life, although they are more common as people get older. The Department of Health reports that half of all Australians have at least one of the eight major chronic conditions that the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare regularly reports on, which include arthritis, asthma, back pain, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, mental health conditions and osteoporosis. Other common chronic conditions include epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. A diagnosis does not just affect the individual. It can also affect their family members and friends, making it a very emotional and challenging time.
Life after diagnosis
No matter how tempted you are to deny it, ignore it, or rage against it, your chronic condition is your new ‘normal’. Adjusting to life requires you to accept and rethink your expectations of yourself. Change is part of the process and your self-care is now mandatory.
How we can help
You may not be able to change or erase your condition, but you can cope. Even thrive! Your priority now is to be more purposeful with how you use your energy. Use the days you need to rest for renewal without guilt or apology. If you, or someone you know, needs help managing the impact of a chronic illness diagnosis, contact us at Clearview Pathway. Together, we will work through strategies that will help you navigate the challenges of your chronic illness and help you set new, more realistic expectations and limits for yourself (and others).
What is a terminal illness?
A terminal illness is a disease that cannot be cured or treated for an improved prognosis and is likely to cause death within a few years.
How does counselling help?
A person diagnosed with a terminal illness may experience varied emotions, including grief, sadness, regret and anger. Coming to terms with death will likely be a difficult experience and individuals may struggle to absorb the reality of the situation, particularly as they do not know how their body will change as the disease progresses, or how much longer they will live.
Counselling a person with terminal illness is different as it may be more time-limited and therefore, the goals may be more modest. Whilst they may have many decisions to make, one of the most important decisions they are likely to face is how to spend their remaining time. Family members and friends may also find it difficult to deal with their feelings as they face the prospect of saying ‘goodbye’ to the person who is dying. We can provide you with a safe space to work on any concerns related to your diagnosis, including death and dying. We will also help you to process significant emotions, learn how to communicate your wishes and needs to family members and friends, and build a support network around you.
“I am at peace with all that has happened, is happening and will happen”