Gosh it is NORMAL to feel that you're falling apart over a medical crisis. Still, you want to minimize your pain. I hope I can help you with that.
Well, the first thing you can do is to know that you joined a BIG club around the world. Lots of people believe they're "losing it" during a medical crisis. They're not, really. They're simply dealing with a new reality and finding their way through it, one clumsy step at a time. The world just does not have a One-Size-Fits-All coping method. You seek what you need until you find something that helps you to go forward.
Your condition or that of the person you're trying to help is accented by medical realities: changes in brain power, muscle power, self-confidence, medical equipment that seems to tie you up in knots, you name it! The stress goes right for your sense of discouragement, increasing your emotional and physical pain.
"Patience? Confidence? The future? What's that?" you sadly wonder.
Here are some suggestions foreating Back the Blues 1-2-3:
1. Consider working with an Occupational Therapist and/or a Speech Therapist who might be able to recharge your brain, heart and soul with appropriate therapy. Stroke patients often lose word recall, sometimes the ability to speak. They often recover with OT and PT. Think of TV reporter Bob Woodruff and the milestones he's reaching. And if something other than brain power affects you, an OT and PT still might do wonders for your sense of happiness and self-confidence.
2. Coax your relative/friend/self to keep doing whatever is familiar: listening to favorite songs, doing chores you're good at, eating food you enjoy, pursuing hobbies (even new ones) if you/she/he can take the physical strain, stuff like that. Those are confidence-boosters. They'll possibly ignite pleasant memories or create a few.
Here's another take on the confidence-building idea: Your body and your heart need lots of relaxation. Read some books you've been meaning to get to. Give yourself a foot-rub and take a nice bubble bath or just let the shower steam open your pores. Pamper yourself. Relax again and again. And keep telling yourself "I'm healing. In my own good time, I'm healing..."
UPDATE: Actually, you and your body might need a nap. See http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/health/bal-to.hs.nap01nov01,0,4946284.story
Let your body heal as best it can. A little doctor intervention might be necessary. But a lot of wholesome care for your state of mind can go a long, long way before, during and after the doctor visit.
3. Here's one more idea, simple and colorful, too (and it's terrific for children, too)! Find a large glass jar. Maybe one of those giant pickle jars with a wide mouth. Every time you reach a goal or experience anything at all that fills you with a positive point of view, drop a colored marble into the glass jar. Over time, your collection will grow. It might become big enough to fill the bottom of a fish bowl or an aquarium...
Humor your inner child or one who's already part of your life. Put your marble collection to even more good use and watch the light shine in someone else's eyes. The glimmering fish will cheer up your surroundings (maybe your thoughts, too).
Do you know what's happening? You're keeping your act together so much you're going to inspire the people around you. After all, everybody likes someone with all their marbles!
Now lift your heart a little more so your attitude can go Dancing Through Life. Click on this link, a sort of booster shot for the tough days ahead... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otTLcWYA0ME
To your good health and peace of mind,
Yojeved Golani
Coping with a Medical Crisis?
Make the Changes You Need in Your Life.
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